Wheaties unveiled three special-edition packages honoring Olympics record-breaking swimmer Michael Phelps, gymnastics champion Carly Patterson and sprinter Justin Gatlin on Monday in Athens.
The 18-ounce packages will be available nationally beginning in mid-September. The boxes continue Wheaties’ tradition of honoring great American champions dating back to Johnny Weismuller and Babe Didrickson in the 1930s.
“Being on the cover of the Wheaties box is something that most athletes strive for,” said Phelps, who won six gold and two bronze medals at the Games, in a statement. “It’s a great honor for me to join the Wheaties family.”
Patterson, became the first U.S. woman to win gold in the gymnastics all-around since former Wheaties pitchperson Mary Lou Retton accomplished that feat in 1984. Patterson also captured a silver medal in the Americans’ second-place showing in the team competition, and an individual silver in the balance beam.
Gatlin earned the gold in the 100-meter finals, won a bronze in the 200-meter, and was part of the silver-medal-winning 4 x 100-meter relay team.
“It’s a privilege for me to represent my team and defend our country’s place at the top of the sprinting world,” Gatlin said in a statement. “And to be honored with my own Wheaties box is a great thrill.”
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