Frenchan Yannick Agnel, who is currently in France with his American-based coach Bob Bowman preparing for next week’s French Championships, has signed a sponsorship agreement with Arena.
Agnel has gone without a major sponsorhip until the latest two-year deal, that will take him through the Olympic Games, despite winning two golds and one silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games – including an individual title in the 200 free, though he has been seen in TYR in the past as the sponsor of the French Federation.
This move is a ‘winning’ move for Arena, as Agnel now has trans-Atlantic appeal. The French star, and now his country’s top swimmer, is training in the United States as part of the elite group in North Baltimore that includes Michael Phelps.
Dollar amounts of the deal were not disclosed in the press release by Arena, however it will extend through the 2016 Olympics where he’ll be a favorite in the 200 free and a strong contender in the 100 free as well.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Team Arena,” Agnel said. “I have a very good feeling about swimming in Arena’s racing suits. I also know that I can count on them on the pool deck, it’s both comforting and encouraging! I hope we’ll accomplish great things together.”
Arena also sponsors Jeremy Stravius, who is a second leg of the tripod that is leading the next generation of great French swimmers. The third part of what could be a gold-medal contending medley relay in 2015 and 2016, Florent Manaudou, is aligned with Speedo.
Arena also sponsors French swimmers like Melanie Henique, Charlotte Bonnet, and Gregory Mallet.
