Bryan Clay gets on the Wheaties box!

The greatest names in American gymnastics and decathlon share one thing in common: a legacy of appearing on the fabled orange Wheaties box. Following competition in Beijing, the torch has been passed as two of America’s newest heroes, Bryan Clay and Nastia Liukin, become part of that legacy with their own Wheaties boxes.

Clay became the first American since Dan O’Brien in 1996 to win gold in the decathlon, earning the distinction of “World’s Greatest Athlete.” Clay took silver in Athens in 2004 and was World Champion in 2005. He led the decathlon competition from the start, taking first or second in five of the 10 events and third in two others. A native of Honolulu and current Los Angeles resident, Clay joins fellow decathlon gold medalists O’Brien, Jim Thorpe and Bruce Jenner as Wheaties champions.

“Having your picture on the Wheaties box is something all athletes strive for,” Clay says. “It’s a mark of distinction that says you’ve reached the pinnacle of your career. This is a very special honor for me.”

Decathlon demands excellence in a variety of events, which requires a strenuous training program. “Training is difficult,” says Clay. “Eating right helps give you the edge, to withstand extensive workouts, provide quick muscle recovery, and guard against injury.”

Clay also credits his strong support system for helping him achieve all his success, including his family and his coaches. He recalls running track with his brother in the sixth grade and speculating together on whether they’d ever be good enough to earn a spot on the Wheaties box.

“Bryan’s performance in Beijing is certainly worthy of the Wheaties box,” Jenner says. “He’s a great athlete and a great competitor. I’m proud to welcome both Bryan and Nastia into the ‘Breakfast of Champions’ family.”

The soon-to-be-released packages will be available nationally beginning in September, continuing Wheaties’ storied tradition of honoring great American champions dating back to Johnny Weismuller and Babe Didrikson in the 1930s.

Launched in 1924, Wheaties is the No. 1 whole-grain wheat flaked breakfast cereal in the category. The brand began its association with sports in the mid-1930s with a sign on the left field wall at Nicollet Park near downtown Minneapolis. General Mills’ broadcast deal with the minor league Minneapolis Millers on WCCO Radio included the large signboard that Wheaties would use to introduce its new ad slogan: “Wheaties—The Breakfast of Champions.” From that rather humble beginning, Wheaties has built a heritage that includes many of the greatest athletes of all time. Learn more about Wheaties’ history and featured athletes on the brand’s recently updated website at www.Wheaties.com.

NOTE: This release comes courtesy of General Mills.