Leryn Franco Lands Deal With Nike

Leryn Franco is notable across the internet for two things: a poor 2008 Olympic performance and being attractive.

Did You See That?

The field clears a fence during the New Season Handicap Steeplechase during the at Ludlow Racecourse on September 16, 2008 in Ludlow, England.

Emanuele Canonica of Italy helps his caddie in the rescue of a pigeon from the water around the 18th green during the first round of the Portugal Masters at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Course on October 16, 2008 in Vilamoura, Portugal.

A multiexposure image showing Britain's Andy Murray returning to Croatian Marin Cilic during a last sixteen tennis match at the Madrid Masters in Madrid on October 16, 2008. Andy Murray won 7-5, 7-6.

English football fans dressed in armours and tunics play in a friendly match against Belarus fans in Minsk on October 15, 2008 before the start of the Belarus vs. England 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier of European group 6 match.

Travis Brigley (R) of Hamburg fights with Matt Keith (L) of Ingolstadt during the DEL match between Hamburg Freezers and ERC Ingolstadt at the Color Line Arena on October 14, 2008 in Hamburg, Germany.

Russian Nikolay Davydenko returns a ball to US Robby Ginepri during a second round tennis match at the Masters in Madrid on October 15, 2008.

A golf ball which has been enveloped by the tree over many years is pictured during the pro-am for the Portugal Masters at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Course on October 15, 2008 in Vilamoura, Portugal.

Andy Murray of Great Britain plays football during his training session prior to his thrid round match tomorrow at the Madrid Masters tennis tournament at the Madrid Arena on October 15, 2008 in Madrid, Spain.

Samuel Peter from Nigeria gets a punch from Vitali Klitschko of Ukraine during their WBC heavyweight boxing world championship fight in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008. Klitschko won the fight after round nine due to technical knock out.

Herbert Knosowski, AP

Japan's Kyoko Hamaguchi (lower) fights with China's Hong Yan (red) during the semi-final of the 72kg class of the Women's Wrestling World Championships in Tokyo on October 13, 2008. Hong defeated Hamaguchi and will face Bulgaria's Stanka Zlateva in the final.

Yoshikazu Tsuno, AFP/Getty Images

Fortunately for Ms. Franco, not being perfect at your job and being utterly and completely marketable are not mutually exclusive. And, as a result, she has reportedly landed a deal with Nike to represent the company's international interests while wearing their finest athletic apparel.

Now, bear in mind that this appears (like Ufford said) to have little substantial information by which to ascertain that Ms. Franco has been signed. Until you get loose on the Google translator and hit up La Tercera:

According to the newspaper ABC Color, Paraguay, Franco signed a contract with Nike to be the face of campaign advertising signature sportswear. "In February 2009, Nike launched the campaign in Europe as Leryn image, so that the Paraguayan is shown on all the brand stores and in magazines," says the tabloid.

The new link for the athlete-model bordearía 500 thousand dollars. Discover the video of the photo session that made the sexy Paraguayan latercera.com.

Now, I'm not sure exactly how much she's getting for this deal, but one would think it will probably be a pretty substantial amount of cash.

Of course, as always, there are moral implications here. Is alright for Nike to sign an attractive athlete who may or may not succeed at his/her sport? Doesn't this sort of reward -- simply for being attractive -- take away from the hard work that attractive but also talented people, like the lovely Ms. Anna Rawson, do every day?

Maybe. Personally, I'm fine with it; Franco is an Olympic quality athlete, so it's not like Nike is just picking attractive women off the street. And she'll sell their product, so it's probably a good business decision.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

2-04-2009 @ 7:07AM

Hello Joe said...

ARE YOU KIDDING, ANOTHER BIMBO SCORES AGAIN.

2-04-2009 @ 7:18AM

AP said...

"Another bimbo"? I think if she's an Olympic athlete, then she's absolutely qualified to endorse a product associated with athletics. Hello Joe...I'm pretty sure you'd take that kind of money in a heartbeat if it were presented to you.

2-04-2009 @ 10:18AM

Jon Boy said...

this is interesting...

5 Things You Didn't Know - 2008 Summer Olympic Games

http://www.curiousread.com/2008/08/5-things-you-didnt-know-2008-summer.html

2-04-2009 @ 3:17PM

Peter said...

She could polish my Javelin anytime

2-08-2009 @ 12:12PM

Grijeer said...

I found Leryn Franco's topless video here:
http://youcelebtube.com/go.php

2-04-2009 @ 8:07AM

Michele said...

Ok people...here is a beautiful woman who has every right to endorse any product she chooses. AND! She is probably a good role model for younger girls. Hey! At least she is not captured on camera doing bong hits! There's a real role model! How about getting Michael Phelps to do a Public Service Announcement about the dangers of doing drugs!

2-04-2009 @ 4:59PM

Merlynsm said...

How about getting Michael Phelps to do a Public Service Announcement about the dangers of doing drugs!
That's a laugh the guy wins how many medals, what danger could he possibly say, hey kids, look what it did to me. as for Ms. Franco, she can role model don't worry about being the best, just be hot!!!!

2-04-2009 @ 8:18AM

Ralph and Kathy said...

Maybe with a pound or two of make-up, but pass her on the street I would not even look twice. Looks like hers come a dime a dozen.

2-04-2009 @ 10:25AM

cashman7323 said...

If you like the american indian look, she is very pretty. Plus you've got to love the mudflaps.

2-04-2009 @ 5:30PM

JESSICA said...

Jealous much?

2-04-2009 @ 8:22AM

hwindshadow said...

Hot! Jealousy runs rampant!!!! You fat, ugly, bimbos should lighten up on this fine speciman of flesh!!!!
Ya ba da ba doooooooooo!
Hope my husband doesn't read this. lol

2-04-2009 @ 8:58AM

PGM said...

Can anyone say- Anna Kournikova. How many major tournaments has she won- 0 - . When I saw her play at the US Open we all knew she wouldn't win but the stands were packed. Why is she among the highest paid athletes? marketability

2-04-2009 @ 9:04AM

CL said...

She is an Olympian!!! I know weekend Cyclist's and Runners that have endorsements from clothing and sports drink vendors and will NEVER make the Olympics. Give her a break.....

2-04-2009 @ 9:11AM

Dragnmorad said...

here is a thought.... she didnt win... but SHE MADE IT TO THE OLYMPICS!!!! OMG you idiots!!! How many people can say that!!!! So yes she is pretty & a great athelete. Maybe not THE best amatuer in the world, but pretty damn close to make it to the olympics & she is pretty, ergo marketable!!! If you had a business wouldnt you want it tied to someone who could make it to the olypics & if pretty!?!?!?!

2-04-2009 @ 1:30PM

cuskley1 said...

Exactly. How many of you talking crap can even run a mile or are even close to being that hot?

2-04-2009 @ 9:18AM

Jason said...

I can not believe people are surprised by this. If brands used ugly people to try to sell their products then they would not sell as well. Its just doing what works. If you were a Nike exec would you pick the ugliest person you could find for your tv ad or the hottest? I know it hurts the ugly peoples self confidence to see all these beautiful people on tv and have to look in the mirror. Here is what to do if your ugly, turn off your tv!