Bryan Clay posing with the latest Wheaties cereal box, which features the gold-medal decathlete. Photo courtesy of Business Wire

Bryan 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.”

The silver medalist in Athens in 2004 and world champion in 2005, he led the 2008 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 of Japanese and African American parentage, 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.”

Clay credits eating healthy and his strong support system for helping him achieve all his success. He recalls running 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 said.

Shortly after his gold-medal performance at the Olympics, Clay told reporters that he wanted to defend his title at the London 2012 games. He also wanted to adorn the iconic cereal box.

“I’m hoping to continue to do this through 2012,” said Clay. “I hopefully can get another medal. I don’t know if anybody’s got three (consecutive) medals at the Olympic Games. That’s maybe another goal.”

“I just want the Wheaties box,” Clay told NBC, grinning. “Put me on the Wheaties box.”
Nastia Lukin, who won five medals in Beijing, was also chosen for the front of the Wheaties box.