By Susie Nordqvist
New Zealand collected one of its largest ever medal hauls at the London Olympics last month, and now the sponsors are starting to respond.
It has some of our Olympians entering unfamiliar territory.
After a 12-month hiatus, Beef and Lamb ads will soon be back on our screens with a couple of new faces.
They're best known for their sporting successes, but it turns out Sarah Walker and Lisa Carrington can "bust a move or two".
“After I won my medal I did a little bit of boogying, but in front of a camera is a different story,” says Walker.
Beef and Lamb New Zealand says the pair, originally from the Bay of Plenty, "epitomise" what means to be a Kiwi.
“They mix well,” says Beef and Lamb chief executive Rod Slater. “They've got good personalities and they come from heartland New Zealand.
A recent study rated Sarah Walker the second most likeable Kiwi athlete at the Olympics behind rower Mahe Drysdale, and among the most recognised faces too.
Since the Olympics, Lisa Carrington's popularity has also skyrocketed, and according to one sports marketing agent she's fast becoming New Zealand's "favourite" female athlete.
“I think obviously results are quite a big thing and winning a gold medal,” says Carrington. “I think, hopefully people can look to me and I can be some sort of inspiration.”
Filming will begin in the next few weeks, with the first commercial set to air in November.
“Part of their contract is they're available for us,” says Mr Slater. “I think it's two days for filming advertisement. It's not onerous.”
The money's good for two days’ work, plus the odd promotional engagement. Sources have told 3 News they could each net between $50,000 and $75,000 a year, and they've signed up for four years.
“Nice,” says Walker. “I need to go back to them!”
Like last year there is going to be a third person on the ad. It's a closely guarded secret but Mr Slater says she is someone “performing very successfully overseas at the moment”.
3 News