Olympians Turned Influencers: Meet The Athletes Who Went Viral
The 2024 Paris Olympics showcased not only incredible athletic feats but also the rise of Olympians as influencers and creators. Athletes like American rugby star Ilona Maher and gymnast Sunisa Lee have transformed their Olympic fame into powerful social media presences, using platforms like TikTok to share their journeys, humor, and personal challenges. Maher’s viral videos celebrating the Paris experience and Lee’s candid documentation of her battle with kidney disease illustrate how these Olympians are proving that their impact extends far beyond the games, redefining what it means to be a champion in the digital age.
Follow Maher and Lee on TikTok to keep up with these athletes after the Olympics!
Ilona Maher: https://www.tiktok.com/@ilonamaher?lang=en
Sunisa Lee: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunisalee_?lang=en
Follow Maher and Lee on TikTok to keep up with these athletes after the Olympics!
Ilona Maher: https://www.tiktok.com/@ilonamaher?lang=en
Sunisa Lee: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunisalee_?lang=en
Transcript
00:00The Olympic Games have long been a stage for incredible athletic feats, but in today's
00:05digital age, the journey doesn't end at the podium.
00:08Here's a look at some of the athletes who used their platform at the 2024 Paris Olympics
00:12to become influencers.
00:14Many Olympians are transforming their athletic fame into influential online presences, becoming
00:20powerful voices in social media, fashion, fitness, and beyond.
00:24Up first, we have American rugby star and bronze medalist Ilona Mar, who you may have
00:28seen on your feed in this insanely viral video enjoying a massive croissant.
00:50Mar began amassing a huge following after sharing comedic videos showcasing her enjoying
00:55everything the Paris Olympics had to offer, specifically the good eats.
00:59Since going viral, she's even collaborated with other huge creators like YouTube and
01:03TikTok star Brittany Broski.
01:06Up next, we have Olympic gymnast and gold medalist Sunisa or Suni Lee, who competed
01:11alongside teammate Simone Biles during the Paris Olympics.
01:14Lee has an insane story, as the 2024 Paris event marked her second trip to the Olympics,
01:20but she almost couldn't come back.
01:22Lee has been battling kidney disease for the past few years, a journey which she documented
01:26and shared online with her 3.4 million TikTok followers.
01:30Fans were obviously elated to see her make her triumphant return and secure the gold
01:35for Team USA.
01:36As the lines between sports and social media continue to blur, these athletes are leading
01:41the way, showing us all that greatness isn't confined to the field or the gym.