Matthew Mitcham - Lickable Yes, But Sponsorable?

Local News, By gnosis, 8th September, 2008

While you’ll soon be able to give Matthew Mitcham a good licking, the Aussie diver has yet to secure a big sponsorship deal, despite his gold medal win.

Mitcham and every other Australian Olympic gold medal winner is to be honoured with a special Olympic stamp issued by Australia Post. For this Mitcham will receive $17,400 for the use of his image and an additional $17,400 bonus from Adidas but the openly-gay athlete has yet to secure a major sponsor.

With Mitcham’s gold medal performance, along with his good looks and his ability to articulate himself, some in the media are beginning to question whether his decision to out himself prior to the games is preventing him from getting major sponsorship deals similar to the ones Stephanie Rice has secured with both Davenport and Channel Seven for $700,000.

Stephanie Rice’s manager Chris White told the Sydney Morning Herald that he didn’t think Mitcham’s sexuality would hold him back from sponsorships. “It’s about consistency of performance and personality,” says White. “Swimming is a sport with huge interest in Australia and sponsors are attracted to it.”

Mitcham’s mother has told the Herald that Matt was concerned about his sexuality impacting on sponsorship but insists “everybody has caught up now”.

Mitcham is currently off vacationing with his partner, Lachlan Fletcher, in France and isn’t expected to be back in Australia until next month. He’s also yet to do any major interviews since the end of the Games last month. However, he did turn down a reported $25,000 “tell-all” offer from gossip mag Woman’s Day.

In the meantime, speculation about possible future sponsorship deals is rife with Gold Coast website, Down Under, reporting a rumour that Matt is set to sign a sponsorship deal with a Australian national corporation.

Whatever sponsorship deals Matt can secure, the gay community in Australia can’t wait for his return. Mitcham is now the hot favourite to lead next year’s Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. New Mardi Gras GM Anna McInerney told the Herald: “Matt is someone we’re considering, along with a few others, and we’re keen to have a discussion with him. But it’s not a done deal.”