Michael Phelps Gets New Endorsement Deal

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When a picture of Michael Phelps using a marijuana pipe surfaced late last year, some sponsors cut ties with the Olympic champion. Months later, that trend is finally turning around.

Phelps and H2O Audio are expected to announce a multi-year partnership, in which Phelps will endorse the company’s line of waterproof headphones and accessories. The company will feature Phelps in a summer ad campaign, founder and chief executive Kristian Rauhala said, according to the report.

Phelps, who listened to headphones before races during his record-setting run at the Beijing Games, said he uses the company’s in-ear, waterproof Surge headphones during training, according to the report. The headphones are integrated with a carrying case for his iPod, which he attaches to his swim cap with a magnetic strip.

“The [music] helps me put myself in my own world,” Phelps said, according to USA Today. I can focus on what I’m doing. And tune out what everybody else is doing — no matter what.”

Phelps became a cultural icon after winning a record-breaking eight gold medals in the pool at Beijing. But his career ran into an unplanned hurdle when the infamous photo was published by a British tabloid in early February. While no criminal charges were filed, USA Swimming gave Phelps a three-month suspension from competition.

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