For all the claims that gays are not regularly subjected to discrimination, the case of Australian gold medalist diver, Matthew Mitcham, tells us otherwise. Mitcham was the sole out athlete at the 2008 games in Beijing. As other Olympic medalists were being quickly snapped up by sponsors, Mitcham, who scored the highest single dive score in Olympic history, went for months with no sponsor. Now, fortunately, he has landed Telstra, Australia's largest telecommunications company, as a sponsorship six months after winning the gold medal. Here are highlights from the Advocate on this story:*
Gay diver Matthew Mitcham has finally landed a sponsorship six months after winning a gold medal for Australia at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Mitcham has been appointed an ambassador for Telstra, Australia's largest telecommunications company. The Melbourne-based Telstra is the number one provider of phone and broadband service in the nation.
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[A company spokeswoman said] "Matthew's performance at the Olympics last year was sensational, and he demonstrated all the characteristics that we look for in our ambassadors—confidence, passion, and excellence in his sport. Matthew is a positive role model for all Australians, and we look forward to working with him as his diving career progresses." Mitcham's contract with Telstra lasts until December 31, 2009.
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