Michael Phelps to pitch Mazda in China

Swimmer Michael Phelps speaks to reporters at the White House in Washington October 7, 2008.(Reuters Photo)

The greatest Olympian in history is returning to China, this time as a brand spokesman for Mazda.

U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps, who won a record eight gold medals at the summer games in Beijing, has signed a seven-figure deal to endorse the new Mazda 6 model in a series of ad campaigns and personal appearances.

His pact with Los Angeles-based DMG Entertainment, a division of Chines media, lobbying and entertainment group DMG, could be the largest single sponsorship deal for a Western celebrity in China's history.

The campaign will be unveiled during the first half of the year; the deal does not include Hong Kong.

Phelps already has deals with such firms as Speedo, Visa, and Rosetta Stone. He was driving a Land Rover when he was arrested for drunk driving in 2004.

(Agencies)