Influence at the Heart of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games
As the 2024 Olympic Games come to a close end we await the Paralympics starting on August 28, 2024, it’s essential to reflect on this event that has undoubtedly marked a significant turning point not only in the world of sports but also in social media! Hosted in grand style in Paris, these Games attracted the biggest sports celebrities and their supporters to French soil. The highly anticipated matchups certainly left an indelible mark on history and in the memories of those who witnessed them. However, the Olympic Games have significantly evolved, transitioning from an event predominantly watched on television to one that is massively consumed on social media, making this edition the most digital ever. This unprecedented digital dynamism is largely driven by the engagement of athletes, who have become true influencers, eagerly sharing their experiences online. This article explores athletes’ engagement on social media during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The Olympic Games on Social Media
Following the COVID era, the rise of TikTok ushered in a new age of social media, significantly influencing the media coverage of the 2024 Olympic Games. More and more people choose to follow the event through the posts of content creators and athletes, discovering unique moments and exclusive content. This phenomenon offers media, brands, and creators an exceptional opportunity to expand their reach and better engage their audiences.
“Athlete Influencers”
Previously seen as mere brand ambassadors, athletes used to support products and appear in advertisements. Today, thanks to social media, they no longer need to be celebrities to increase their popularity. They simply need to share authentic content that resonates with their audience and brands. Storytelling and genuine connections have become essential, allowing athlete influencers to share their personal stories and experiences, making their content more accessible and inspiring.
Since the start of the Paris Olympic Games, athletes have been sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of their Olympic lives on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, beyond just the competitions. Videos showcasing Olympic Village tours, daily routines, chocolate muffin tastings, and room tours are racking up millions of views. Audiences love this exclusive content, while for the athletes, it’s a unique opportunity to connect with the public and seize new professional opportunities.
Brands at the Olympic Games
The Olympic Games present a unique opportunity for brands in the sports sector but other industries too to refine their influencer strategy. By partnering with influencers, brands can amplify their messages and create authentic connections to achieve their marketing goals during this global event. For example, they can offer behind-the-scenes access, real-time commentary, and personalized content that resonates more with their target audience and the Olympic atmosphere.
The Major Role of TikTok
TikTok’s impact since the start of the Paris Olympic Games has been remarkable. With its user-friendly interface and broad audience, TikTok has become the platform of choice for athletes to share their Olympic experiences, turning the global event into a true reality show for the public.
Among the trending videos from athlete influencers on TikTok, we can mention:
The behind-the-scenes content shared by athletes on TikTok makes them more relatable to the public and enhances the spectator experience, making them feel more involved in the Olympic journey.
Athletes you had to follow on social media to stay updated on the world of sports during the Olympic Games.
Influencer athletes have played a key role in shaping the narrative and driving engagement since the start of the Paris Olympic Games. We’ve compiled a list of must-follow athletes on social media to fully experience the Olympics.
Aleah Finnegan : @aleahFinnegan
Instagram : 93,1k
Tiktok : 115,7K
Aleah Finnegan is an artistic gymnast representing the Philippines on the international stage. After competing for the U.S. national team, she chose to represent the Philippines, her mother’s homeland. In 2023, she won a gold medal with the Philippine women’s team at the Southeast Asian Games. Having already proven her significance as a key team member, her participation in the 2024 Olympics was highly anticipated. On social media, she enthusiastically shares her Olympic experience in Paris, participating in TikTok trends that highlight her Olympic journey.
Tom Daley : @tomDaley
Instagram : 3,9M
Tiktok : 1,6M
Youtube : 1,2M
Tom Daley is a world-renowned British diver who began his career at a young age and quickly stood out for his exceptional performances, as well as his talent for knitting—each Olympics, he creates a handmade sweater. Among his major achievements are the bronze medals he won at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Highly active on social media, he regularly posts vlogs and content related to his sports career, training, and personal life on YouTube and TikTok. In preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics, he has shared a series of vlogs on YouTube, showcasing his physical and mental training.
Daria Saville : @dariaSaville
Instagram : 163K
Tiktok : 1M
Daria Saville is a professional tennis player representing Australia at the 2024 Olympic Games. She has won several titles and achieved significant milestones in WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) tournaments. Her doubles match with Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula during the 2024 Games captivated tennis fans worldwide. Highly active on TikTok, Daria shares viral videos, and hidden spots in the Olympic village, and debriefs her experiences with her teammates.
Ilona Maher : @ilonaMaher
Instagram : 3,5M
Tiktok : 2,3M
Ilona Maher is an American rugby player who competes with the U.S. national rugby sevens team. Maher has participated in major competitions such as international tournaments and continental championships, representing the United States with distinction. In addition to her athletic career, Ilona Maher is active on social media, where she is often praised for her personality and commitment to the sport. On TikTok, she shares videos with other athletes from the 2024 Olympic Games, uniform reviews, and fun moments from her experience in the Olympic Village, presented in a “Love Island” style.
Ariana Ramsey : @arianaRamsey
Instagram : 90,4K
Tiktok : 10,4K
Ariana Ramsey is an American rugby sevens player and a member of the U.S. national team. She is competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she won a bronze medal. Outside of rugby, she is also a certified personal trainer. Her performances in various championships have highlighted her positive impact on the strength and cohesion of the American team. On social media, she supports various causes, promotes rugby, and encourages young athletes. Since the start of the Paris Games, you can follow her experience in real time on her TikTok page. She shares her routine in the Olympic Village, cafeteria reviews, and other videos showcasing her Olympic stay in Paris. One of her videos, where she discusses her medical experience in the Olympic Village, has even made headlines and gone viral on social media.
Coco Gauff : @cocoGauff
Instagram : 1,8M
Tiktok : 721,3K
