Michael Phelps inks new endorsement deal

Posted June 16, 2009 11:00 pm

Associated Press

SAN DIEGO -- Michael Phelps has picked up a new endorsement since his three-month suspension ended.

The 14-time Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer has a multiyear deal with H2O Audio, a San Diego-based maker of waterproof headphones and accessories.

The company announced Monday that Phelps will collaborate on product development and marketing initiatives. His imagery and voice will be used on packaging, advertisements and retail displays as well as online in a campaign launching this summer.

Phelps says music has been a huge part of his life and training. He always listens to music through ear buds as he walks on the pool deck for races.

Other athletes who have endorsements with H2O Audio are Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin and surfer Laird Hamilton.

Some of Phelps' other endorsement deals weren't renewed after a photo of him using a marijuana pipe surfaced. His suspension by USA Swimming ended in May.

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