Visa Congratulates Michael Phelps in Beijing 2008 Olympics

With the world closely watching the extraordinary performance of Michael Phelps at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Visa was the first to congratulate him on setting the all-time record for most career Olympic gold medals with a commercial that aired on NBC right after his win in the 200 meter butterfly.

The special ‘Congratulations Michael’ is part of Visa’s “Go World” Olympics campaign. The spot uses still photographs in dramatic sepia tones and ends with the already iconic Michael Phelps celebration dance shot.

“Michael Phelps truly embodies the spirit of our ‘Go World’ campaign that celebrates memorable Olympic moments and the extraordinary athletes who achieve them,” explained Kevin Burke, head of global consumer marketing of Visa Inc. “We congratulate Michael on this momentous achievement and wish him the best as he continues his march towards Olympic history.”

Phelps has already been featured in two previous national Visa commercials through its Team Visa program.