August 28, 2008 03:15 AM Eastern Time 

Wheaties Honors Newest American Champions Nastia Liukin and Bryan Clay

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The greatest names in American gymnastics and decathlon share one thing in common: a legacy of appearing on the fabled orange Wheaties box. Following competition in Beijing, the torch has been passed as two of America’s newest heroes, Nastia Liukin and Bryan Clay, become part of that legacy with their own Wheaties boxes.

Liukin: Third American to win all-around, third to appear on Wheaties box

Three American women have won gold in the gymnastics all-around competition. America’s newest sweetheart, Liukin, will follow in the footsteps of fellow all-around champions Mary Lou Retton and Carly Patterson by joining the Breakfast of Champions family.

Liukin led American gymnasts by capturing five medals on the world stage in Beijing, including individual gold in the all-around, silver in the uneven bars and balance beam, and bronze in the floor exercise. She also helped lead the Americans to silver in the team competition. Both of Liukin’s parents were gymnastics champions, and, at 18, the Parker, Texas resident is already one of the most decorated American gymnasts of all time, with multiple world and national titles.

“Every young athlete aspires to one day see their face on the cover of the Wheaties box,” Liukin said. “It’s been a huge inspiration to see great gymnastics champions on the box, like Mary Lou and Carly, plus the ‘Magnificent Seven’ from 1996. It’s a privilege and an honor for me to be on the box, and I’m very excited to be part of the Wheaties tradition.”

Liukin credits hard work and determination for her success. “I tell young athletes all the time that if you want to become a champion, you need to stay focused, train hard, and pay attention to what you eat,” she says. Proper nutrition is a critical part of peak performance, and Liukin says that’s why Wheaties was a part of her training regimen.

“I’m so thrilled for all of our athletes, but in particular to see Nastia take the gold in the all-around and now get her own Wheaties box,” Retton says. “Wheaties is arguably the first and still one of the foremost brand images in all of sports. It’s an honor for any athlete to be on the box and more than anything it epitomizes what it means to be a true champion.”

Clay becomes third decathlon champion in a row to ‘Eat his Wheaties’

Clay became the first American since Dan O’Brien in 1996 to win gold in the decathlon, earning the distinction of “World’s Greatest Athlete.” Clay took silver in Athens in 2004 and was World Champion in 2005. He led the decathlon competition from the start, taking first or second in five of the 10 events and third in two others. A native of Honolulu and current Los Angeles resident, Clay joins fellow decathlon gold medalists O’Brien, Jim Thorpe and Bruce Jenner as Wheaties champions.

“Having your picture on the Wheaties box is something all athletes strive for,” Clay says. “It’s a mark of distinction that says you’ve reached the pinnacle of your career. This is a very special honor for me.”

Decathlon demands excellence in a variety of events, which requires a strenuous training program. “Training is difficult,” says Clay. “Eating right helps give you the edge, to withstand extensive workouts, provide quick muscle recovery, and guard against injury.”

Clay also credits his strong support system for helping him achieve all his success, including his family and his coaches. He recalls running track with his brother in the sixth grade and speculating together on whether they’d ever be good enough to earn a spot on the Wheaties box.

“Bryan’s performance in Beijing is certainly worthy of the Wheaties box,” Jenner says. “He’s a great athlete and a great competitor. I’m proud to welcome both Bryan and Nastia into the ‘Breakfast of Champions’ family.”

The Wheaties Tradition Continues with the Passing of the Torch

“There were many outstanding performances by American athletes over the past few weeks, and we applaud them for their efforts,” said Wheaties Marketing Manager Joe Driscoll. “Both Nastia and Bryan bring such dedication and commitment to their sports, and we’re so happy to welcome them both into the Wheaties family. They’re both terrific role models and represent the very best of the championship ideals that have made Wheaties ‘The Breakfast of Champions’ for more than 80 years.”

The soon-to-be-released packages will be available nationally beginning in September, continuing Wheaties’ storied tradition of honoring great American champions dating back to Johnny Weismuller and Babe Didrikson in the 1930s.

Launched in 1924, Wheaties is the No. 1 whole-grain wheat flaked breakfast cereal in the category. The brand began its association with sports in the mid-1930s with a sign on the left field wall at Nicollet Park near downtown Minneapolis. General Mills’ broadcast deal with the minor league Minneapolis Millers on WCCO Radio included the large signboard that Wheaties would use to introduce its new ad slogan: “Wheaties—The Breakfast of Champions.” From that rather humble beginning, Wheaties has built a heritage that includes many of the greatest athletes of all time. Learn more about Wheaties’ history and featured athletes on the brand’s recently updated website at www.Wheaties.com.

The Breakfast of Champions® and Wheaties® are registered trademarks of General Mills, Inc.

Wheaties is not an official sponsor or supplier of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Images of the newest Wheaties boxes are available at www.businesswire.com.