AUGUST 30 - LOUIS SMITH (pictured), who in Beijing became the first British male gymnast to win an individual medal for a century, is set to sign a contract to be represented by Linford Christie's management company.

 

The 19-year-old from Peterborough, who won the bronze medal on the pommel horse, has been speaking to Nuff Respect, the company set up by Christie after he won the 100 metres at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

 

Smith said: "It is very likely I will sign up with Linford but we are still in negotiations.

 

"It will mean his company will take a lot of weight off my shoulders when it comes to media and promotions."

 

He has had a brief taste of what it is like to be well-known since he returned from Beijing.

Smith said: "Life has calmed down a lot since I got home on Monday.

 

"I was able to go out with some friends the other night for a quiet one but I am still getting people coming up to congratulate me.

 

"But then they ask for photos, or signatures or to see my medal, it is still overwhelming."

 

Smith would join a portfolio of Nuff Respect clients that also includes Olympic 400 metres champion Christine Ohuruogu, swimmer turned BBC pundit Sharron Davies, Sydney 2000 200m silver medallist Darren Campbell and Frankie Fredericks, a former sprint rival of Christie's who was recently elected as the new head of the International Olympic Committee's Athletes' Commission.

 

Chrisie is banned from having any official role with the British Olympic Association because of a positive drugs test for anabolic steroids in 1999 that cast a long shadow over the rest of his career.

 

Smith has received a number of offers since his stunning performance in Beijing, including the promise of free pasta for the next four years and an endorsement deal with Adidas, a tier-one sponsor of the 2012 Olympics.

 

He said: "When I was out in China, I had a meeting with an Adidas representative and we talked about a sponsorship deal but I need to speak to my coach and find out what is best for me and make sure whoever I go with, they don't take me for a ride."

 

Smith is already tied to EDF Energy, another London sponsor, and appeared in promotions before Beijing publicising the company's link to the Olympics.

 

The Daily Mail have also been closely following his progress since London were awarded the Games three years ago as one of their "magnificent seven".

Smith is already back in the gym practicing new routines for the World Championships next year which are due to be held at the O2 Arena, which will also be the venue for his sport at London 2012.