Missy Franklin, the most celebrated female Olympian from the 2012 London Olympic Games, is staying true to her word. She will attend college and forego millions in potential endorsement revenue.
While that has been Franklin’s well-publicized plan all along, some sources felt Franklin might reconsider given her global visibility and star-power. After media-rounds on the talk-show circuit, a cameo appearance on film with A-list stars Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, and carepackages from Justin Bieber, Franklin remains America’s Darling.
After winning five Olympic medals, four of which are gold, Franklin wants the college experience more than the pro-lifestyle. Thursday night, Franklin celebrated USA TODAY’s 30th anniversary and reiterated her feelings on the subject to the media outlet:
“I love being a part of a team and I know in college sports that’s amplified by a hundred… Every time you go to a meet you see the college team walk in together cheering for each other. That’s so cool, and I want to be a part of that… I know that the teammates I have in college are gonna be my bride’s maids in my wedding. I would love to swim professionally one day, but I know right now swimming in college is what my heart really wants to do.”
Industry analysts have varying estimates on what Franklin could’ve earned had she given up her eligibility and gone pro, $1,500,000, $3,000,000, even $10,000,000. However, they all add that Franklin missed her earning window, the 18-month time period leading up to the Olympic Games. That’s when most endorsement deals are made. Franklin will always be marketable after her star-turn in London, and, if she decides to turn pro in 2015, she’ll surely be well-compensated for her brand strength.
NOTE: Franklin’s first college recruiting trip here.
NOTE: USA Today confirmed that Franklin did miss the Olympic Team’s visit to the White House to meet President Obama and The First Lady. Franklin explained to USA Today, “I have school and I didn’t want to miss it.”
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This debate is pointless for the next 2 to 3 years. Olympians make their money in the pre-Games buildup, not the honeymoon that follows. Sure, right now they are getting a lot of invitations to do cool stuff, but have you seen a commercial with a swimmer in it since London wrapped up? Of course not, because advertisers know that consumers got their fill of swimming and swimmers, and won’t care again until the 6 months leading up to Rio. That’s when the endorsements mean something, so that’s when you either cash in or “turn down millions.” Missy’s amateur status was an interesting question a year ago, after worlds, because she could have made a boatload this spring. But she… Read more »
I think Missy made the right decision. She will have a great collegiate career and will get a lot out of college swimming. The fact is that she’s no flash-in-the-pan. She will collect financially later after her 20th gold medal! Go Missy.
Love how people who have no relationship to this 17 year old kid are sitting at their computers arguing over her financial decisions…idiots! Get a life…get a job!!
Comment of the year – nay – the decade. Well done, dude.
Also, who is to say who reached their potential? I bet most of you weren’t 2 time olympians! Or in have Katies medals, or have Kate’s world records. Remember our phenomenal youngsters haven’t even been to college yet. But I guarantee with Missy having such a natural ability, gifted with body type and beauty in the water and out she will do well whatever decision she makes.
You people shouldn’t judge until you walk a mile in their shoes. I was there for Chloe Sutton’s decisions and was there to help her get away from Ray Benecki as he used her as bait for Kate Ziegler to push down. (Kate’s best swimming years by the way) After she moved 15 times with her parents in the military and tried to find good coaching she was told by Schubert to find Bill Rose. It was a fit and moving again right away to head off to college was not going to be a good thing for her. Also the college coaches were not knocking down her door because she had turned her focus completely over to open water.… Read more »
Well said, CB! Thank you!
Just let swimmers like Missy go pro and swim in college. Why not? She can pay her own way and swim with a team.
It’s not a big deal to me. But, it makes too much sense and would make college swimming more fun to follow.
It’s not like college swimming is like football or basketball etc…… There’s no professional leagues.
Missy is making the right decision for her, given the current set of rules. It is her choice.
But who makes the rules? Why is it ok for the NCAA & broadcasters, who don’t even play, to make millions from football & basketball, but when a talented young athlete comes along, she’s required to be an amateur? Missy & others should not be forced to make such a choice.
Missy should go pro and take all of the money she can get. She is not being noble by choosing to go to school just to be part of a team. Forgoing on the cash could be a huge opportunity missed. She can take the millions in potential earnings and buy her way back to school any time.
She will make her millions no matter when she goes pro. I suport her decision and hope she comes to Texas. She loves Austin.