Kyodo News Sydney Olympic gold medalist Naoko Takahashi appears set to join the ranks of other prominent figures who have attained fame and fortune after becoming champions in major sporting events.
The 28-year-old marathon champion in the 2000 Olympics and her employer, Sekisui Chemical Co., have reached a broad agreement that will give her a free hand to appear in commercials.
She will not, however, become a professional in the true sense of the word, according to sports sources. She will continue to work at Sekisui while earning money from the commercials.