Romain Mesnil

Romain Mesnil is a 31-year-old French pole vaulter who won the silver medal at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka. When his sponsorship deal with Nike wasn't renewed, he resorted to a new advertising ploy—he ran naked through Paris and posted the videos to YouTube.BBC: Naked pole vaulter chases sponsor (March 31, 2009)

The naked run and videos were intended to advertise the Internet auction of his sponsorship on eBay.ITV: Naked pole vaulter chases sponsor (March 31, 2009)

On March 23, 2009, he posted a video of his run through the streets to his YouTube channel, with a black square carefully hiding his... equipment. The original video ends in French with a notice saying: "Return on March 31, 2009—You haven't seen anything yet".

On March 31, 2009, Mesnil posted a second video, which includes his vaulting in the nude. The video ends with a promise to wear the clothing of whatever sponsor wins his Internet auction, the next time he pole vaults. Mesnil opened an Internet auction for his sponsorship in February, and the top bid was over 16,000 euros with 10 days left.Reuters: Pole vaulter Mesnil opens internet auction for sponsors (March 31, 2009) ITV: Naked pole vaulter chases sponsor (March 31, 2009)