Olympians who are killer social media influencers

When you're the most decorated gymnast in the world, you don't have to worry about a shortage of brand deals or sponsorships. Simone has partnerships with Snapchat, Powerade, and Tide. In September 2024, she teased her new limited-edition Athleta collection, featuring athleisure and loungewear.

Tom Daley is good at two things: diving and social media. The Olympian has had partnerships with Google and Mark and Spencer. But his biggest deal has to be with the liquor brand Malibu, where his backside was posted on billboards around the UK, reminding people not to drink and drive.

Ilona Maher has a massive presence on TikTok. In addition to her cheeky dance videos and silly skits, the Olympic rugby player has created several videos in collaboration with big brands like Brooks Running and Maybelline. Additionally, the bronze medalist has posed for several magazines, including the September 2024 cover of SI Swimsuit. 

Olympic swimmer Daniella Ramirez has the best hair, and she's shown it off several times before on her TikTok. So, it's only right that hair brands like Aveda and K18 would want her to sponsor their products.

Suni Lee has over three million followers on TikTok; who wouldn't want to work with her? In addition to posting GRWM videos and food vlogs, the gold medalist has created quite a few sponsorship videos, including ones for Amazon, Loréal, Batiste, and KISS Beauty.

Henrik Christiansen's presence on TikTok is undeniable. With his 500,000 followers, the Olympian gifts his followers some of the best content the app has seen, including clips with the most talked-about sounds. Occasionally, the Norwegian swimmer posts a few sponsored ads for brands like BOSS and, most recently, Adidas.

Lululemon doesn't need much help getting consumers in their doors, but I guess it doesn't hurt to have Nikki Hiltz as one of your brand's biggest ambassadors.

Noah Lyles is (arguably) the fastest man in the world, so you already know the world's biggest shoe brands were fighting to have the Olympic gold medalist as their partner. Ultimately, he chose Adidas, and he posts about the company on his social media channels whenever he can. But that isn't the sprinter's only deal. The world champ has also worked with Tide and Celcius, promoting the companies on his Instagram and in commercials and magazines.

Like Daley, Tyler Downs is another Olympic diver who people can't seem to get enough of. The Missouri native has 100,000 followers on Instagram and 1 million on TikTok. So, he uses his platform to promote a number of companies, including American Eagle, and share videos with the latest trending sounds.

Erik Shoji doesn't post many brands on his social media. Instead, he uses his TikTok to create funny videos with his Olympic teammates, share exclusive information about life in Paris during the 2024 Summer Games, and the occasional food vlog.

This 2024 Olympic gold medalist snagged a few sponsorships after winning a WNBA championship, like her collaboration with Under Armour. However, one of her biggest had to have been posing for SKIMS by Kim Kardashian alongside other league members.

In addition to posing for Nike products, Sha'Carri collects her coin in other ways, too. She often posts sponsored ads for the yogurt brand Oikos on her Instagram. Plus, her unique sense of style certainly has to influence someone. 

NBA legend and Olympic gold medalist Steph Curry appeared virtually at the 2024 Democratic National Convention to flex his new medallion and announce his support of Kamala Harris for president. Of course, it's not the first time the champion has spoken about issues he's passionate about. In 2020, he talked about the importance of building a more inclusive community after George Floyd's murder. 

When Gabby Thomas isn't training to sweep the competition in the 200 and 400m sprints, she's busy influencing her one million Instagram followers to fly with Delta and shop at New Balance for their essentials.

A'ja Wilson has had a huge impact on the culture. From her Nike signature shoe being one of the most talked about of the league to her many sponsorship deals with big companies like Carmax, she's one Olympian who knows how to use her platform to her benefit. She's also the face of 2K25's WNBA edition, and after she posted the cover on her Instagram, that was enough for me to go and pre-order.

Olympic track and field athlete Masai Russell usually posts stunning pictures of herself on her Instagram. However, occasionally, she promotes some of her favorite products from brands like Nike and Amika Beauty to her nearly 490,000 followers. 

Fred Richard is a powerhouse gymnast. He earned a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Games for his performance in the men's all-around, where he showcased his impressive flares and pommel horse abilities — moves that require a lot of strength and technical skill. So, it makes sense that his brand partner would be Celsius, an energy drink brand created for those with an active lifestyle.