Ian Thorpe A Virgin?

With Ian Thorpe's sponsorship deal with Qantas Airlines now expired it has been rumored that Thorpe will sign with Virgin Australia Airlines.  Thrope has been chummy with Virgin founder Richard Branson even hosting a charity relay for Virgin Active at the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Center.  It always amazes me how the Aussie's still follow the adventures of the Thorpedo even after his retirement from swimming.  Makes you wonder how long the US Press will cover Phelps after 2012.  Most likely Phelps will fade away like Rowdy Gaines.  But at least with all the take at this years Olympics about Phelps breaking Mark Spitz gold olympic medal count has given Spitz a new marketin life.  This week Spitz teamed up with the drug lobbying group Pharma to spread the lobby the general public about the need "keep funding pharmaceutical research in these tough economic times."  The big companies like Lily want a piece of the stimulus package.  At least the stimulus package will keep one former Olympic swimmer employed.

Virgin & Thorpe Source
Spitz Source