Visit Sarasota County teams up with Olympian

SARASOTA — Already a silver medalist from the 2020 Olympic Games, Sarasota’s Emma Weyant is set for the 2024 Paris Games and attaching a local connection.

Weyant signed a Name, Image and Likeness deal with Visit Sarasota County, according to a news release from VSC.

“We are thrilled to partner with Emma, a true hometown hero, as she represents the U.S. and Sarasota on the world stage this summer,” Visit Sarasota County President/CEO Erin Duggan stated in a news release. “Her achievements and connection to our community make Emma the perfect ambassador for Sarasota. This collaboration will promote our beautiful county and showcase our destination as a training ground for champions.”

Wayant is going to be competing in the 400 meter individual medley on the USA Olympic Swim Team. She won the silver medal with an impressive swim in the same event in 2020 in Tokyo.

In the NIL deal, Weyant “will be featured in Visit Sarasota marketing materials, and on its website and social media, highlighting the area as a premier destination for visitors, sports enthusiasts and sporting events thanks to its unique attractions, beautiful weather, cultural offerings and world-class sports facilities,” the news release stated.

Weyant was a member of the University of Virginia Cavaliers swim team where she led the team to an NCAA championship. In 2022, she transferred to University of Florida. But before all that, she was a member of the Sarasota Sharks swim team, the news release notes.

“I am honored to represent Sarasota, a place that has always supported me throughout my swimming career,” Weyant stated in the news release. “This partnership with Visit Sarasota County allows me to give back to the community and share the beauty and opportunities that Sarasota offers with a wider audience.”

It is the first NIL deal that Visit Sarasota County has inked.

“By leveraging the power of sports and personal stories, Visit Sarasota aims to strengthen its brand and attract more tourists and sports teams to experience the charm and hospitality of the region,” it stated.

For more information, visit www.visitsarasota.com.