The 2016 Summer Olympics are officially over.
The games provided some unforgettable performances and iconic moments that will live in the pantheon of sporting highlights forever. Michael Phelps ended his illustrious career with 28 Olympic medals, including 23 golds. Usain Bolt completed a triple-triple, by winning gold medals in three events in the past three summer Olympics. Simone Biles became what many are considering the “greatest gymnast of all time,” by winning five medals, four golds.
These athletes and many like them were broadcast to an average of 27.9 million Americans each night, according to Nielsen ratings. It is time for marketers to take their positions in a race to nab the best faces for their best brands. Companies must consider popularity, looks, athleticism, personality and overall likeability when it comes to choosing the right athlete to market their products. DMN has taken these all into consideration and selected the ten best choices for companies.
Marketers, on your mark, get set, go!
Simone Biles
USA
4 Gold, 1 Bronze
When Mary Lou Retton called the four-foot, nine-inch Simone Biles the “greatest gymnast of all time,” it was an certified affirmation of what all who watched her knew. The 19-year old gymnast, whose face has become one of the more recognizable since the games began, currently has an endorsement deal with P&G.
Sample Tagline: Success comes in all sizes
Neymar
Brazil
Soccer
Gold
Who else but the savior of Brazilian soccer? The men’s soccer Olympic gold medal game, between the home nation of Brazil and Germany, ended in a 1-1 tie, forcing the decision to be decided by a penalty shootout. After four successful takes each Germany’s Nils Petersen missed, allowing Neymar to score the winning goal. A company couldn’t ask for a better moment to market! The Barcelona FC player has endorsement deals with Nike, Red Bull, Panasonic, Konami and Gillette.
Sample Tagline: Worth the wait
Ashton Eaton
USA
Decathlon
Gold
The Greatest Athlete in the World. The nickname is bestowed upon those who win gold in the decathlon. And in Ashton Eaton’s case, he’s the greatest athlete for the second straight summer Olympics. The 28-year old has endorsement deals with P&G, Gillette and Visa.
Sample Tagline: The master of all trades
Claressa Shields
USA
75-kilogram
Gold
The 21 year old boxer has “money in the making” written all over her brand. At the 2016 Summer Olympics, Shields made history by capturing a second gold medal by defeating the Netherland’s Nouchka Fontijin in the women’s middleweight (75-kilogram) division in a unanimous decision. Currently, Shields lacks any major endorsements deals. However, with the right company and right product, Shield can become a household name.
Sample Tagline: Twice as nice
Helen Maroulis
USA
53-kilogram
Gold
The 24-year old American freestyle wrestler was a dark horse in the 2016 Summer Olympics 53-kilogram tournament and a dark horse for our marketing list. However, just like in the finals against wrestling legend Saori Yoshida, we expect Maroulis to be a major success in the marketing world.
Sample Tagline: Driven by doubt
Abbey D’Agostino & Nikki Hamblin
USA and New Zealand
5000M
No medals
The U.S. and New Zealand started the 2016 Summer Olympics as competitors in the 5000m race. After the two collided and fell with 2,000m to go in the race, they became each other’s motivators and the world’s inspirators. The two runners have been honored with the Fair Play awards in the Olympic park in Rio.
Sample Tagline: Never too competitive to be compassionate
Pita Taufatofua
Tonga
Taekwondo
No medal
The Tongan flagbearer may have entered into the Olympics conversation because of his striking looks, but his excellent demeanor and good humor at being turned into a meme – not to mention his tolerance of some handsy NBC broadcasters — could turn him into a great pitchman.
Tagline: Always be ready for the spotlight
Katie Ledecky
USA
Swimming
Four golds, one silver, two World Records
Her dominance dominated the International competition. She won X medals, but none were more impressive than her victory in the 800 meters. She bested the runner up by 11.38 seconds, driving sports publications to compare that victory to other great moments in sports.
Tafline: What will you do with your 11 seconds?
Mónica Puig
Puerto Rico
Women’s Tennis
Gold Medal
Not only did Puig (mid-30s WTA ranking before the tournament began), upset the #2 player in the world for gold, it was Puerto Rico’s only medal in the Rio games and Puerto Rico’s first-ever gold medal.
Tagline: It takes a nation
