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Johnson
could be a $1m man, by Jason Avedissian - 10th May
2003
(Credit:
News Interactive)
Leading sports agents are convinced Patrick Johnson
has the capacity to turn his speed into million-dollar
sponsorship deals.
What's
more, the 30-year-old is set to become the next golden
face of Australian athletics, just like Cathy Freeman,
if he maintains his outstanding form.
The
first test of that comes today in Japan when Johnson
competes against the world record-holder, American
Tim Montgomery over 100m in the Osaka grand prix.
Freeman's
former manager, Sean Anderson, now with AMI Sport
and Entertainment, says Johnson has what it takes
to rake in the big bucks.
"When
he becomes the fastest man in the world then we are
talking serious deals," Anderson said.
"It
can be between $500,000 and a million dollars.
"If
he keeps up with his form there will be a lot of companies
that would want to associate with him.
"He's
very marketable. He's got a terrific personality and
is very humble."
Lleyton
Hewitt's manager, Rob Aivatoglou, of Octagon, said
Johnson's earning potential hinged on his ability
to back up his electrifying 9.93sec run in Japan on
Monday.
"If
he was to win a gold medal at the Olympics, I think
you are probably looking at a six figure level, possibly
more," he said.
"There
could be significant opportunities.
"It's
an unbelievable opportunity he's got."
Celebrity
agent Max Markson is another talking big numbers for
Johnson who is only currently sponsored by Westpac
and his employer, the Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade.
Markson
says Johnson "should be able to pick up around
$750,000" between now and the Olympics in 2004
and potentially "double or triple that"
if he is crowned world champion in Paris in August.
"Everyone
now knows who Patrick Johnson is," Markson said.
Anderson
also likes to compare Johnson to his former client.
"There
is a lot of similarities with Cathy Freeman,"
Anderson admits.
"Both
had very humble beginnings and tremendous personalities,
wonderful reputation and they are both letting results
speak for themselves.
"Obviously
you can't deny the Aboriginal element.
"Both
are very proud Australians, strutting the world stage
and tremendous ambassadors.
"There
are tremendous parallels."
Craig
Dodson, of Melbourne firm Sponsorship Solutions, says
Johnson's clean image will place him ahead of others.
"He
is visually appealing and he's very well behaved from
a sponsors perspective," Dodson said. "He
is an ideal spokesman for a number of products and
if he can take off he has the potential to be a celebrity
in Australia and internationally."
According
to Business Review Weekly's top 50 Australian sports
earners list for 2002, Freeman was the highest earner
in athletics with $1.7 million, 29th overall behind
perennial leader Greg Norman ($24.6 million).
Links:
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Markson
Sparks!
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