This years Olympics have shown us the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Unfortunately, for many athletes, the repercussions of the events of the Olympics, might follow them and cost them long after the games are over. For Liu Xiang, a Chinese athletic hero, the injury that caused him to pull out of the games might affect not only his popularity, but his wallet.
To say Xiang is popular in China is a huge understatement. After winning gold in the hurdles in the 2004 Olympics, he was raised to almost God-like status. Xiang is the spokesperson for almost every major product in China, from sports drinks to cars. One of his biggest campaigns is for Nutrilite. Xiang has been a spokesperson for the company and its vitamins and nutrients for years. Nutritlite, who’s parent company is global giant Amway, has an enormous presence in China, and in fact, it is their largest market. The company spends millions of dollars every year on TV and print advertising in the country.
As we all know, an achilles tendon injury forced Xiang out of these games, and now Nutrilite, along with other companies is reconsidering the athlete as one of their top spokespeople Xiang has been featured in several high profile commercials over the years including an Olympic teaser that has been featured all over Chinese TV. Nutrilite has hinted that they will stand by the athlete, but people are hinting that that might change once the games officially end. No official word on their decision is expected until after the end of the Olympics.
Nutrilite was forced by the Chinese government to pull their ads off of Chinese TV a month ago as they are not an official Olympic sponsor.
Also, their pre-Olympic commercial features Xiang along with Asafa Powell, who also performed well below what was expected of him. Maybe the Nutrilite commercial is cursed. But…..here it is for all of you who have not seen it.
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