Michael Phelps, Katie Hoff, Ian Crocker and Ryan Lochte
among Olympic Swimmers to Present
“ Swimroom”

Olympic Swimming Sensations Aim to Connect the International Swimming Community with the Launch of the Sport’s First Social Networking Site

 Olympians Michael Phelps, Katie Hoff, Ian Crocker and Ryan Lochte are among the several world class swimmers who today announced the creation of Swimroom (www.swimroom.com), the sport’s first social networking site. Swimroom was established as a forum where swimmers from across of the globe can regularly interact and communicate beyond simply seeing each other at traditional competitions or swimming related events. Other featured Swimroom members include Olympic gold medalists Lenny Krayzelburg, Megan Quann Jendrick and Kirsty Coventry.

Swimroom will be the home for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and video of Phelps, Hoff and others as they continue their preparations for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Swimroom will also have a major presence in Australia during the 2007 FINA World Championships beginning next week in Melbourne. Swimroom will be updated daily with news and results, athlete blogs and interviews, all of which give fans unprecedented access to the sport’s top names as they vie for gold in Australia.

“I am really excited about the launch of Swimroom,” said Phelps. “It is my goal and vision to elevate and create additional interest for the sport of swimming. Swimroom will be a great vehicle to connect the global swimming community.”

Regularly updated blogs, podcasts, photos and video will be the hallmark of this online global community. Swimroom’s featured members will have direct access to their fans like never before with the ability to foster the constant exchange of ideas, stories and training tips. The site also includes dedicated forums for coaches and parents to share their insight and commentary on industry related topics.

“Swimroom’s unique athlete-driven content will be the cornerstone of this site and a hopeful catalyst for the continued growth of swimming,” said Peter Carlisle, Octagon’s Managing Director of Olympics & Action Sports. “Swimmers, coaches, parents and fans from across the globe will all benefit from the flow of information and ideas that Swimroom cultivates.”

Octagon is the world’s largest sports and entertainment representation and marketing agency with global expertise in consulting, athletes & personalities, event management, property representation, marketing solutions, licensing and merchandising and talent procurement. As part of The Interpublic Group (NYSE:IPG), one of the world’s leading organizations of advertising agencies and marketing services, Octagon employs more than 1,000 people in 60 offices around the world. For further information please visit: www.octagon.com.