New Ali, Mary Lou Retton, and Jenner retro Wheaties boxes. Um.. did I mention Mary Lou Retton?

Stumbled upon these new Wheaties boxes while shopping the other day.  They harken from a time when it was super cool for a kid to eat actual bran flakes!  I've got to tell you that upon seeing them, a lot of memories came flooding back to me..

For reasons you'll soon understand, the first box that caught my attention and took me for a stroll down memory lane, was this one that features America's sweetheart Mary Lou Retton.  The original box flew off of store shelves, and was a big deal because it was the first time a female had ever been pictured on a Wheaties box.

Mary Lou Retton was two years older than I was, and gosh did I have a crush on that little gal back in the day!  In 1984 I was 14 years old, and watched the 84' summer Olympics with great interest to see her do her thing.  I remember her hitting perfect 10's in a couple events, and winning one gold, two silver and two bronze medals.  You may find it interesting that I actually married a girl named Mary Lou.  Coincidence?  Err.. Absolutely!

Muhammad Ali aka.. "The Greatest".  He is entirely the reason I was such a big boxing fan as a kid and succinctly, until the sport became a joke.  One night in 1975, my old man plopped me down on the couch next to him to watch the Ali / Frazier fight "The Thrilla in Manilla".  He told me "Son.. you have to sit down and watch this with me.  Your Grand kids will be talking about this fight!"  It was a long fight that went 15 rounds.  I don't remember much about the fight, but got well acquainted with the highlight reel over the years.  I do however remember my old man throwing jabs into the air and getting quite excited when Ali won the fight.

Before becoming widely known as "Kim Kardashian's Step Dad", Bruce Jenner was one heck of an athlete.  I remember him becoming a sensation after winning a gold medal for the decathlon in the 1976 Olympics.  It seemed like every kid I knew was trying to outrun and out jump each other after that.  Every kid wanted to be like him, and I swear I even remember playing a Bruce Jenner board game at some point.

I really dig these boxes, and hope General Mills releases more like them in the near future.  Below is an official press release that includes some nice comments from each athlete..

WHEATIES® CELEBRATES THREE OF AMERICA’S GREATEST CHAMPIONS BY UNVEILING THREE NEW, RETRO WHEATIES BOXES

 

Muhammad Ali, Bruce Jenner and Mary Lou Retton Celebrated For Championship Achievements, Commitment to Healthy Living

 

MINNEAPOLIS (Feb. 15, 2012)– In its continued celebration of championship performance, Wheaties, the Breakfast of Champions, is releasing three new Wheaties boxes featuring retro images of former Wheaties Champions Muhammad Ali, Bruce Jenner and Mary Lou Retton. Since achieving their world champion status, these three athletic legends have continued to inspire America’s future athletes. Each has also maintained a deep appreciation for the role nutrition played – and continues to play – in their performances. Wheaties is proud to be a strong nutritional choice for yesterday’s and today’s athletes with long-lasting energy from 100% whole grain flakes.

 

“Their respective records speak for themselves, but it is their legendary performances that have made each champion an inspiration to so many,” said Betsy Frost, Wheaties marketing manager. “Wheaties’ fans have long asked for these icons to be featured on the box again.  We’re thrilled to fulfill their requests and once again honor each athlete’s spirit of championship.”

 

Muhammad Ali

Known as “The Greatest”, and first featured on Wheaties packaging in 1999, Muhammad Ali is a global sports icon. Since retiring, Ali has devoted his life to being a role model for children, helping to fight hunger and actively promoting the importance of a healthy lifestyle in order to achieve greatness. 

 

“To be recognized once again by Wheaties – Breakfast of Champions – is an incredible honor,” said Muhammad Ali. “Proper nutrition was an important part of my training regimen as a boxer, and I’m proud to support Wheaties as it continues to do great work in fueling some of the highest performing champions of our day.” 

 

 

 

Bruce Jenner

As a world champion, and an exceptional athlete, Jenner’s years of decathlon competition resulted in unparalleled athletic achievement, even earning him the title “World’s Greatest Athlete.”  Today, Jenner continues to inspire athletes – and even captains of industry– as a highly sought-after motivational speaker. 

 

“Being featured on your own Wheaties box is an once-in-a-lifetime recognition that athletes everywhere strive for,” said Bruce Jenner. “To earn this achievement twice is truly an amazing feeling and represents the lifelong determination, hard work and commitment that I hope to inspire in tomorrow’s world champions.”

 

Mary Lou Retton

Mary Lou Retton made history as the first American gymnast to win the All-Around Gold Medal in the ’84 games. Retton’s grueling training regimen was an integral part of her many years of athletic success. Today, Retton is not only a devoted wife and mother, but also a motivational speaker, traveling the world to promote the benefits of proper nutrition and regular exercise.

 

“I remember the first time I saw my face on the Wheaties box, and how excited I was to see all of my hopes and dreams come true,” said Retton. “None of that would have been possible without complete dedication to the training and nutrition habits I followed. Since then, not much has changed. I exercise regularly and make sure my diet, which still includes Wheaties cereal as a source of whole grain, helps me get through the day, whether I’m traveling cross-country or training young gymnasts.”

 

100% Whole Grains and Nutrition

World champions know peak performance requires the right balance of nutrition. For more than eight decades, Wheaties has been committed to providing athletes with balanced nutrition and long-lasting energy from 100% whole grain flakes that they need to help them perform at their optimum level. 

 

Wheaties has 22 grams of whole grain per serving—almost half of the 48 grams of daily whole grain recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.  Whole grain is a complex carbohydrate, which is digested more slowly and therefore can provide a more sustained supply of energy over time. 

 

Wheaties continues to work with food scientists, health professionals and other athletes to help fuel America’s athletes to greater and bolder achievements. 

 

About Being on the Wheaties Box

For the last 85 years, Wheaties has featured many of the world’s greatest athletes on the famed Wheaties box, celebrating their athletic achievements and championship performance, both on and off the playing field. 

 

The Wheaties boxes featuring Ali, Jenner and Retton will be available on cereal shelves across the country, beginning this month.  For more information, visit www.wheaties.com.