Let’s count the hardware so far…
24 GOLD MEDALS
18 SILVER MEDALS
17 BRONZE MEDALS
So much neck bling.
What’s more, an incredible performance by the Women of #TeamUSA Swimming marked our Nation’s 1,000th Gold Medal in historical Summer Olympics competition. Here’s a fun infographic to put that in perspective. (Fellow Californians take note: our State rains Gold.)
Though dominating, the medal count does not do #TeamUSA’s Rio accomplishments and awe-inspiring will any justice. There is no number or value to be put to the impact some of these athletes have had on our Nation’s spirit, nor can we measure the ways in which generations to come will be inspired by…
SIMONE BILES. THE NEW FACE OF AMERICAN EXCELLENCE AND ARGUABLY THE MOST DOMINANT ATHLETE IN MODERN SPORTS:
KATIE LEDECKY. THAT TIME SHE WON BY 11 SECONDS AND BROKE HER OWN WORLD RECORD. 11 SECONDS MAY NOT SEEM LIKE A LOT, BUT JUST WATCH.
CHRIS MOSIER. THE FIRST TRANSGENDER PERSON TO BE NAMED TO #TeamUSA
MICHAEL PHELPS FINAL OLYMPIC SWIM. EVER. #GOAT
JEFF HENDERSON’S ONE CENTIMETER WIN.
IBTIHAJ MUHAMMAD. THE FIRST AMERICAN WOMAN TO WEAR A HIJAB WHILE COMPETING FOR THE UNITED STATES.
Brands are going to have a heyday following these games. Expect increased sponsorships, increased ad spends and more cause-related awareness to result from Rio 2016. It sets a new bar and new generation of defining the American athlete and dare we say—American Citizen.
Our medals have made a statement, but our togetherness has made a difference. #TeamUSA (Feel free to TWEET that one!)
And what we’re seeing now is just the beginning. Brands will be leveraging this content and platform for generations to come, becoming more and more involved in social justice issues and developing a new level of brand loyalty. So while new regulations and heightened controversy made it harder than ever to sponsor the Olympic Games, the Games’ resulting Gold Effect was well worth the effort.
If you haven’t watched these ads yet, get to it…
NIKE. CHRIS MOSIER.
GILETTE. PRETTY ISN’T PERFECT.
P&G. PROUD SPONSOR OF MOMS.
Behold the power of sport. Bravo #TeamUSA.
Tune in to NBC this week to catch the final days of Rio 2016. You’ll be happy you did.
