Response from Coke Cola

[jenmactx]

I emailed Coke-Cola concerning my displeasure in their "abandoning of Michelle." I got this email back and they asked that I share it:
Thank you for contacting The Coca-Cola Company. We appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns and set the record straight.

The information you’ve received is incorrect. We have a great relationship with Michelle, and we are proud that she continues to be a part of our 2006 Olympic program. We have two TV ads that mention Michelle (although she isn't physically present in either). One ad features a group of Olympic fanatics who perform a cheer routine for Michelle to win. Because the ad is focused on competition, and unfortunately Michelle will not be competing, it will discontinue running. However, our 15-second “Red” spot that mentions Michelle will continue to air since it is not linked directly to Olympic competition. Our point-of-sale and in-store merchandising materials, which prominently showcase Michelle and our other Olympic athletes, will continue to be featured in retail outlets across the U.S.

We feel terrible that Michelle had to withdraw from the Olympics, but in doing so, she has truly demonstrated what it means to live Olympic, which reinforces why we chose Michelle to represent Coca-Cola. It takes a champion to win, but it also takes a champion to know when to step down, and we respect her for her decision.

We encourage you to share this message with anyone who may have also heard the misinformation about our relationship with Michelle. If you ever have any more comments or questions, please feel free to write again.

Richard
Industry & Consumer Affairs
The Coca-Cola Company


[THREAD ID:1-EOBZV0]

[Krista]

We feel terrible that Michelle had to withdraw from the Olympics, but in doing so, she has truly demonstrated what it means to live Olympic, which reinforces why we chose Michelle to represent Coca-Cola. It takes a champion to win, but it also takes a champion to know when to step down, and we respect her for her decision.

Yay! . Thanks for sharing that response Made my day.

I kind of figured something was fishy with the reports going around, because I kept seeing the "go Kwan, get your skate on" commercials.

[Kabooke]

Thanks so much
for sharing!

Great response.


With so much misinformation floating around it's
nice to see the record set straight!

[kittyjake5]

Thanks for the post. It was reported a few days ago in my local
paper that Coca Cola was going to withdraw just one ad with MK
but keep the other ad. It's nice to have an official statement
from them. The power of MK Forum once again.

[serendipity]

thanks! now i'm going back to drink coke instead of pepsi.

[suzibear]

Here's to Michelle (raising glass of Coca-Cola)!

[neneth]

Thank you for posting back to coke product.Cheers

[JazDFW]

[cyncansurvive]

I got the same response from them. My husband and I were laughing and the "spread the word" message at the end of the e-mail. I'm guessing they may have heard from several of us and maybe they are going to go and slap Donnie Deutsch????

[IzzyS]

Yippee! Now I can keep drinking Caffeine Free Diet Coke, my soda of choice.

[elliebea]

Funny, I saw the 'cheerleaders for Kwan' ad last night and was surprised. Guess they hadn't pulled it yet.

[Nsidedge]

Yippee Coke! Way to go! They rock!
Michelle rocks the most tho'!!!!!

[mano]

Okay, Coke is forgiven. I prefer Coke to Pepsi, but would have given it up had they dropped the Kwan. Glad they understand the power of the wrath of Kwan fans.

[IceSkate98]

Well, thanks for writing to Coca-Cola! Way to go!

[attyfan]

Has anyone e-mailed VISA yet? If so, does anyone know the e-mail address to do so?

[ChiSkate]

OK, I just drank 5 extra cans of Diet Coke today because of this. I love Coke to begin with but the fact that they recognize true champions just made me love them even more!

[tai kwan]

well hey now - that response sure makes a difference. not only that they took the time to respond to you but that they truly sound sincere about michelle. i will toast them and michelle and all of you with my diet coke

[titan92484]

i emailed them too, i wonder if i will get a response. i was sort of rude, but they ticked me off.

[MKalltheway]

It takes a champion to win, but it also takes a champion to know when to step down, and we respect her for her decision.

VISA????????????

[pianohabebi]

Yay for Coca-Cola!! I can continue my 'coke' habit guilt free.

[titan92484]

so i just checked my email.....i got the exact same email as everyone else........guess they figured they were going to be getting a lot of ticked of people so they had to save the copy.....

[forestgreen92]

Well, I wouldn't have given up my Coke Zero even if they had done what the "rumor" said they were going to do. Why? I don't drink Pepsi. I hate Pepsi (I can tolerate Diet Pepsi). I've been drinking Coke all my life so I'm not going to stop.

However, with that said, I did email them about Michelle Kwan and all the rumors. And now I think it's time to email Donnie and tell him he got it WRONG! I mean, really! He got it wrong!

Yeah for Coca-Cola! And I saw the cheerleader commercial last night again as well. Maybe they'll play it until ladies actually starts.

[KwansPrayerWarrior]

maybe they are going to go and slap Donnie Deutsch????

[jlta]

that was a great response from Coke. I knew there was a reason I preferred coke to pepsi!

thanks for sharing.

[daisies]

It takes a champion to win, but it also takes a champion to know when to step down.

That brought tears to my eyes!