College or Pro: Missy Franklin May Miss Out On Big Endorsement Dollars By Competing At The Collegiate Level

College or Pro: Missy Franklin May Miss Out On Big Endorsement Dollars By Competing At The Collegiate Level

College or Pro: Missy Franklin May Miss Out On Big Endorsement Dollars By Competing At The Collegiate Level:

On Friday, 17-year-old Team USA swimmer Missy Franklin sealed her spot in the record books by breaking the world record in the 200 backstroke, for which she also won the gold medal.  During the London Olympics, Franklin has won four medals total, including three gold medals.  While Franklin's swimming talents have broken records and impressed viewers, her smiling face and happy disposition have earned her the adoration of millions of Americans.  That adoration has caught the eyes of brands desiring to sign Franklin to endorsement deals.  "From an appeal with a sponsors' standpoint she is "white hot" right now — young, great personality — she's arguably the American Sweetheart of these games which equals big endorsement opportunities," Eric Fernandez senior vice president MediaLink, a marketing consulting firm.