SameSame.com.au ~ Inside Out Australia

Matthew Mitcham Gets First National Sponsor?

Local News, By Tim D, 19th September, 2008

They said it was impossible, but we’re hearing reports that openly gay gold medal Olympian Matthew Mitcham is about to sign on his first national sponsor, just as he inks a deal with the same management as Ian Thorpe.

There has been much debate in the media about Mitcham’s sexuality, and the possible effect that it might have on his chances to land quality sponsors, but SameSame.com.au’s spies have been digging around and they’ve come up gold.

With our ear close to the ground, word has trickled back that Mitcham is very close to signing on to be the new face and, well, bum of swimwear and underpants brand aussieBum.

aussieBum was started by Sean Ashby in Sydney in 2001 with $20,000 savings. Last year they revealed that they ship about 1,000 orders a day. “We were fortunate enough to meet Matthew prior to competing in the Beijing Olympics,” Ashby has said. “Everyone in the company watched Matthew dive. To witness this man winning gold was a moment we will talk about with great pride – an Australian who chose to believe in himself.”

The rumours come just as it was announced today that Mitcham has appointed Grand Slam International as his new managers, joining the same stable as Ian Thorpe and Leisel Jones.

Grand Slam International managing director David Flaskas said he was delighted to have Mitcham as part of the Grand Slam International team. “Matthew is an outstanding young athlete whose performance in Beijing was breathtaking. He acted with great modesty and sportsmanship in light of his success and that has endeared him to all Australians,” Flaskas said.

“Winning gold in Beijing was an amazing experience for me,” said Mitcham. “I’ve been overwhelmed with the public’s response to my achievement and am looking forward to the road ahead.”

Update: Read AussieBum’s Response Here.

Nothing has been confirmed yet by either party, but watch a preview of what could be to come below.