One of Ohio State’s most notable alumni will travel to Beijing in order to participate in the 2008 Summer Olympics, but not before donning the famous milk mustache as part of the “Got Milk?” ad campaign.
Twin brothers and 2007 Ohio State graduates Paul and Morgan Hamm were recently taped along with eight other select athletes to represent the U.S. team in this summer’s Olympic Games. The ad was presented in the July 23 issue of Sports Illustrated.
Unfortunately Paul Hamm will not be able to travel to Beijing with his brother due to a broken finger that has not properly healed in time for competition; however, his mug will still be present in the “Got Milk?” advertisements.
The Hamm brothers felt it was important for them to convey a positive message about the importance of milk consumption. In an interview during the “Got Milk?” shoot, Morgan said chocolate milk is an important staple in any athlete’s diet.
“A lot of our teammates will drink chocolate milk, as well as we do, after a workout that will help us recover quicker,” he said. “It’s one of the things that gets in your system very quickly and it helps with that recovery process.”
Paul said his part in the campaign was like a childhood dream-come-true.
“It’s something that when you see all those posters when you’re a little kid, you really want to be in it and it looks like it’s so much fun,” he said. “And milk is such a great thing to be a part of.”
The Hamm brothers are great examples of how milk can lead to outstanding achievements in athletics.
Paul Hamm has set numerous gymnastic records as well as participated in the 2004 Summer Olympics. During the games in Athens, he gained prestige by winning the gold medal in the individual all-around competition, a feat never before accomplished by an American male. Paul also won a silver medal for his individual performance, along with the team’s silver.
Morgan Hamm has not been outdone by his brother’s accomplishments, setting his own records. Morgan took part in the 2000 Olympics held in Sydney at the age of 17. In 2004 he joined his brother on the gymnastics team in Athens where they won the silver medal. Morgan scored higher than any of the other athletes on the vault and high bar.
Morgan Hamm left July 28 for Beijing where they will join four other men to lead the U.S. men’s gymnastic team in the 2008 Summer Olympics. The games will commence Aug. 8 and last through Aug. 24.
Amanda Forbes can be reached at [email protected].
