Kyle Chalmers follows Ian Thorpe as Adidas signs young swimming star

SOUTH Australian teenage swimming sensation Kyle Chalmers has signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with Adidas, following in the footsteps of Australia’s greatest Olympian Ian Thorpe.

Australia's swimming prince Kyle Chalmers, who, at 17, made a very impressive debut at the world championships last month and then backed up to win three gold medals at the world junior championships in Singapore, including 50m and 100m freestyle. Photographed at the SA aquatic centre, Adelaide

SOUTH Australian teenage swimming sensation Kyle Chalmers has signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with Adidas, following in the footsteps of Australia’s greatest Olympian Ian Thorpe.

Chalmers has inked a deal with the sports giant at just 17, the same age as when Thorpe signed on to wear its revolutionary skinsuit in 1999.

Chalmers, who won three gold medals at the FINA Junior World Championships in Singapore this year and a silver medal on debut at the senior worlds, remains in contention for Rio Olympic selection next year.

Chalmers is currently overseas and travelled to Herzogenaurach in Germany to sign his latest sponsorship contract this week.

His deal with Adidas is not at odds with the Australian swimming team’s longstanding partnership with Speedo, although he will have to apply to the Australian Olympic Committee to wear non-branded Adidas swimwear in Rio if he is selected.

Other top swimmers, including Bronte and Cate Campbell, Mitch Larkin and Emily Seebohm, have personal deals with Arena swimwear. Thorpe’s deal with Adidas at the height of his career is believed to have been worth more than $500,000, while Jodie Henry also wore Adidas apparel during competition.

Chalmers’ contract would most likely be only a fraction of that but swimming insiders said it would probably be incentive-based as he started to have an impact on the world stage.

At this year’s senior world titles, Chalmers won a silver medal with Australia’s 4x100m medley relay team by setting the second fastest freestyle time in qualifying.

Senior director of sports marketing for Adidas Jim Latham said he was “very pleased” to have Chalmers on board.

“His love of the sport and outstanding performances at the World Junior Championships in August highlight his commitment and talent,’’ he said.

[e-mail]