Tom Dean’s family became a viral sensation during Tokyo 2020 and the swimming ace is already planning a special encore this summer.
The 24-year-old from Maidenhead came from nowhere to win 200m freestyle gold on his Olympic debut, with family and friends getting up in the middle of the night to watch his exploits.
The video of their watch party was everywhere in the aftermath of his success, with Dean adding a second gold medal in the 4x200m freestyle relay to announce himself to the world.
Now, as he prepares for his second Games in Paris this summer, Dean has paid tribute to the support of his family, who have featured alongside the swimmer as Old El Paso Home Team Heroes.
The brand are joining forces with Team GB over a shared goal of creating more connection this summer, with Team GB uniting the nation in support of their athletes and Old El Paso best enjoyed with friends and families around the table.
Dean said: “It was so much fun to be involved in the campaign. We did a great filming day with my family. It’s super fun, it’s a family brand and that is what I’m all about. I’m one of five siblings, family is the most important thing to me.
“For them to say they want to get your whole family involved, get them around the dinner table, recreate a dinner scene with the Dean family, it was a lot of fun. I’ve done a lot of shoots over the last few years but that is one that stands out.
“We watched the video (from Tokyo), we got to reminisce. That was a true reflection of how close we all are, what it means to me and my family when I’m able to race the Olympics. That video is forever immortalised on the internet.
“They are my bedrock and foundation of support. They were behind me for my whole journey so they deserve to be involved in everything that has come from it, just as much as I do.”
The campaign kicks off with an exciting competition that offers consumers the chance to win VIP tickets to experience the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, via Promotional Old El Paso Retail Packs across their portfolio, live in-store now.
Each of the Home Team Heroes – also including Olympic weightlifting silver medallist Emily Campbell, Olympic diving champion and three-time medallist Jack Laugher and Olympic BMX racing champion Bethany Shriever – feature on individual packs and all share a golden tip on how they bring their unique flavour to an Old El Paso meal.
Dean booked his place in Paris at last month’s Olympic trials, earning an individual spot in the 200m individual medley, as well as relay places in the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle.
Such is the competition in Britain, that he will not be able to defend his 200m freestyle crown, finishing third at trials, but Dean is already out in the States at a training camp at altitude to ensure he is in peak condition this summer.
He said: “It’s been hard getting back into training to be honest. We have a few days off after we have the Olympic trials and you have all the excitement of the team selection and then it’s right back into the hard work.
(Image: Old El Paso)
“I enjoy the summer meet, the main meet, a lot more than trials. Trials is very much a case of get there, get the job done, get your name on the team but it’s quite a brutal selection process, in our sport and our country. You have to perform on the day, which is tough if you slightly misjudge a race. But it’s completely understandable because you get asked to perform on the day when it comes to the Olympic Games in the summer.”
The ‘Make Some Noise for your Home Team’ Masterbrand campaign kicks off with a 30s launch film, that will go live across social and digital.
It celebrates eating being the ultimate team sport and showcases all the different flavours every team member brings to the table during an Old El Paso meal. Each ambassador is seen in action in their sport, whilst Tom Dean brings the Home Team together for a celebratory Old El Paso meal. From breaking records to making history, Old El Paso’s Home Team Heroes are ready to inspire the nation.
One difference from Tokyo is that Dean will have a large contingent of friends and family in Paris to cheer him on, with the last Games taking place in an empty arena due to Covid.
And the scramble for tickets and accommodation is in full flow, with everyone desperate to see the superstar in action.
He added: “There’s a whole cohort coming out, everyone is messaging into the group chat about getting tickets and ballots, organising accommodation, so there will be a cohort out there, a group of friends and family back in Maidenhead, organising some more parties and if we can go and get the job done out in France, I’m sure there will be plenty of celebrations when I get back in August.”
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