Wheaties™ Welcomes Iconic Swimmer Missy Franklin to Team Wheaties Family

News provided by

Feb 25, 2016, 09:00 ET

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Wheaties welcomes four-time gold medalist swimmer Missy Franklin to the Team Wheaties family with a year-long contract beginning this month. A proven champion, in and out of the pool, Franklin's success and character makes her an ideal candidate to represent the Wheaties brand.

Missy Franklin is the newest member of Team Wheaties, joining a 90-year legacy of world-class athletes. A proven champion in and out of the pool, Franklin's success and character makes her an ideal fit for the brand.

Franklin became a household name during the 2012 London Games when she won four gold medals and one bronze medal, becoming one of the most decorated athletes of the Games. She won gold in the 100-meter back, 200-meter back, 4x200-meter free relay, and 4x100-meter medley relay, and won bronze in the 4x100-meter free relay. Franklin's performance in the 200-meter backstroke broke the world record in the event and also marked the first time that an American had won the event in 40 years.

She followed her success in London by winning six gold medals at the 2013 FINA World Championships in Barcelona, becoming the most-decorated female swimmer in history at a single World Championship. At the 2015 World Championships in Kazan, Russia, Franklin made history again, earning the most World Championship titles for a female.

"It's an honor to be part of Team Wheaties. It's an iconic brand that celebrates not just athletic achievements but also an athlete's character and I am proud to be part of such a great team of athletes," said Franklin when asked about the partnership.

Recognized for her bright smile and engaging personality, Franklin is a past recipient of the Laureus 'Sportswoman of the Year' award. She has been named World Swimmer of the Year and American Swimmer of the Year by Swimming World Magazine and earned the ESPY for Best Female Olympian in 2013 and Best Female College Athlete in 2015.

"We are thrilled to welcome Missy Franklin to the Wheaties family, and look forward to her performance this year," said Jenna Lynch, Wheaties senior associate marketing manager.

ABOUT WHEATIES

Wheaties has been committed to providing athletes with the nutrition they need to help them perform at their best for more than 90 years. The team behind "The Breakfast of Champions" has worked for decades to learn from food scientists, health professionals, and athletes about what active people need to help fuel their active lifestyles. Some of the greatest athletes in American history have been honored by this first-ever whole grain breakfast cereal. Wheaties' 100 percent whole grain flakes can be enjoyed a variety of ways including with low-fat chocolate milk for long-lasting energy as part of a complete breakfast. To view Wheaties-inspired recipes as well as a timeline of Wheaties Champions over the decades, visit www.wheaties.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160224/337107

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160106/319826LOGO

SOURCE Wheaties