Olympic champions appear on Wheaties boxes

General Mills released special-edition Wheaties cereal boxes featuring record-breaking swimmer Michael Phelps, gymnastics champion Carly Patterson, and sprinter Justin Gatlin.

All won gold medals at the Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.

“Being on the cover of the Wheaties box is something that most athletes strive for,” Phelps says. “It’s a great honor for me to join the Wheaties family.”

Starting in the 1930s, Wheaties paperboard packages have featured athletes such as Jesse Owens, Bruce Jenner, and Mary Lou Retton. The newly-designed 18-oz packages will be available nationally in mid-September.

“There were obviously many impressive performances over the past two weeks, but we feel that these three athletes truly captured the country’s imagination. All of our athletes did a remarkable job representing our country, and we applaud them all for their distinguished efforts,” says Brian Kittelson, Wheaties marketing manager. “We think that Michael, Carly, and Justin represent the very best of the championship ideals that have made Wheaties ‘The Breakfast of Champions’ for nearly 80 years. Their dedication, commitment, and pursuit of excellence have inspired us all.”

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