Ten Famous Olympic Athletes Making Waves On TikTok ahead of Paris 2024

If there’s anything Tokyo 2020 taught us, it’s that Olympians are hilarious. 

Whilst it may seem completely unfair that people can be famous Olympic athletes as well as comedians, unfortunately that’s just the world we live in. 

When the Olympics loosened its social media guidelines in 2020, famous Olympic athletes flocked to TikTok to share their experiences with us ordinary folk. Many athletes were so popular, they have maintained a following long after the Olympics closing ceremony. 

With the Paris 2024 Olympic games on the horizon, let’s take a look at which famous Olympic athletes are shaking things up on TikTok. 

Tom Daley – 1.4 million 

@tomdaley

POV: can you bring your kids to work!

♬ original sound – Tom Daley

Tom Daley has been the name on every TikTok user’s lips ever since he was spotted knitting poolside at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games. 

Since his fast track to stardom, the British diver has taken to posting silly, genuine content on his TikTok. From ranking Drag Race queens to unabashedly showing off his diving fails, Daley maintains an authentic, feel-good vibe in all his videos. 

It goes without saying that TikTok fell in love. 

Yet beyond his loveable puppy dog grin, is a commendable dedication to being himself and shedding light on important political topics; Daley’s love for knitting started a conversation on breaking down traditional notions of masculinity, spearheaded by him owning his identity as a gay man. 

Simone Biles – 744.8K 

@simonebilesowens

get ready w/ us for day 2 championships ????‍♀️✨? @zoe #california #competition #gymnast #gymnastics #FYP #usa

♬ original sound – Simone Biles

One of the most famous Olympic athletes in the world, Simone Biles continues to win over our hearts time and time again. 

Biles’ candid conversations on mental health and well-being in athletes caught the world’s attention back in 2020, when she experienced a severe mental block whilst at the Olympics. Her ability to listen to her mind and body, and take time to recover, spoke to many young users. 

Since 2020, the star gymnast has continued to remain authentic and honest across all platforms. Her TikTok is filled with casual get-ready-with-me’s, and silly dances. Users love her ability to be truthful and off the cuff on difficult conversations. 

Ilona Maher – 1.1 million 

@ilonamaher

@Sam_Sul_ ?

♬ original sound – liv<3 - liv<3 | taking time off

This 27 year old rugby player is growing to become one of the more famous Olympic athletes on TikTok due to her coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. 

Representing Team USA for Rugby, Ilona Maher shared behind the scenes content with her followers over her time at the games. From testing out the infamous cardboard beds to mooning over the skateboarding team, Maher’s casual humour appealed to the young users on TikTok. 

Maher continues to post little snippets into her life as a professional athlete, sharing glimpses into training and the not so glamorous aspects of her career. If you’re looking for giggle worthy relatability, Maher’s your girl. 

Sunisa Lee – 1.5 million 

@sunisalee_

????

♬ Virginia Beach – Drake

Whilst only 20 years old, Sunisa Lee has managed to join the ranks of famous Olympic athletes. 

An American artistic gymnast, Lee’s youthful disposition and genuine joy have made her a favourite amongst Gen-Z users on TikTok. Her TikTok page feels as if it is being run by just a regular 20 something; not a world renowned athlete. 

Lee takes a more private approach to her TikTok than we have seen so far – she mainly shares dance videos and trends rather than sit down conversations – and yet she still manages to come across as authentic. 

Perhaps it’s the fact that she completed one of the most difficult bar routines out there in a full set of acrylic nails, but we think Lee is one to watch. 

Shaun White – 1.7 million 

@shaunwhite

Replying to @Mike Peery the pants heard round the world ??‍♂️

♬ original sound – Shaunwhite

Whilst this three time Olympic gold medalist no longer competes, Shaun White’s social media presence is too influential not to mention. 

Since his retirement from competing, White has continued to maintain an active TikTok following. His ability to stay amongst other famous Olympic athletes on TikTok lies in his uncanny ability to promote user engagement. 

White’s TikTok is filled to the brim with user Q & A’s. His dedication to engaging with his audience and keeping an open dialogue has made him a fan favourite on the platform – despite the fact that his Olympic days are over. 

Anna Fairman and Anna Segedi – 10.7K 

@anna.x2_

After a long awaited return… we are officialy back in China! Here is your newest apparel haul. Be sure to follow along the next 2 months 🙂 #fyp #haul #china #worlds

♬ original sound – Anna Fairman & Anna Segedi

These Chinese Olympic hockey players have teamed up to provide us with twice the fun. Anna Fairman and Anna Segedi share a TikTok account, where they post a slew of comedic content. 

The fact that they are famous Olympic athletes almost takes a back seat, as they share hilarious Halloween costumes and adorable happy birthday videos. The Annas, 23 and 22 respectively, have established a lighthearted and genuine vibe to their account – making it a favourite for TikTok’s younger crowds. 

Erik Shoji – 914.1K 

@thelibero

Heads up! #volleyball #ex

♬ original sound – Erik Shoji

Erik Shoji’s TikTok is enough to make even the most unathletic user consider picking up a volleyball. 

Shoji, 34, is one of the more prominent of TikTok’s famous Olympic athletes who plays volleyball for the American Olympic team. Through his TikTok, Shoji shows off the highs and lows of the sport; mainly, epic trick shots. His heart racing volleyball videos are addictive, and when combined with his goofy teammates, it’s no wonder so many people are Shoji stans. 

Remedy Rule – 14.3K 

@be.the.remedy

The ULINK artificial reef is a green-grey restoration approach utilizing deployment of living organisms (green) on the concrete structure (grey) to restore both ecological and structural ecosystem services of coral reefs. #coralrestoration #artificialreef #hybridrestoration

♬ A Gentle Sunlight – James Quinn

Remedy Rule, a 27 year old Filipino swimmer, has taken a unique approach to her social media presence as an Olympian. 

Rather than simply sticking to showing off swimming content, Rule is leveraging her position as one of TikTok’s famous Olympic athletes to spread awareness on environmental issues. Her TikTok is almost solely dedicated to speaking about issues such as reef protection and ocean pollution. Through her highly educational videos, the Olympic swimmer encourages her users to live a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle. 

Mixed in with these environmental videos, are little behind the scenes clips of her life as an Olympian. This unique combination has made Rule a favourite on the platform.

Tilly Kearns – 392.6K 

@tillykearns

Water sport athletes know this pain, DEADLY #waterpolo

♬ Funny – Gold-Tiger

Tilly Kearns has that effortlessly funny Olympian vibe down to an art. When she isn’t in the pool dominating on the Australian women’s water polo team, this 23 year old is cracking jokes with her teammates and hanging out with her boyfriend. 

Kearns’ authentic humour and feel good attitude have made her account quickly become one of the more popular of famous Olympic athletes.  Users love tuning in to see her latest escapade; whether it be getting covered in scratches from head to toe during a match, or dressing up for a date. 

Tyler Downs – 870.7K 

@tylerdownss

what we do all day #panamericangames #santiago #chile #santiagochile #queso #teamusa #canada #chile??

♬ flashing light – instrumental – no/vox & karaokey

Tyler Downs’ talents extend far beyond his ability to do an obscene amount of flips while hurtling through the air. An American springboard diver, Downs takes to TikTok to share behind the scenes content as well as funny videos. 

The 20 year old initially rose to prominence amongst TikTok’s famous Olympic athletes due to his reaction to seeing Simone Biles at the 2020 Olympics; he had a meltdown, just like any of us would. Since then, Downs has continued to woo users with his ability to tap into trends with ease, whilst also giving us all the goss on what it’s like to be an Olympian. 

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