Rising and Top Olympic Athletes with Influence

Renowned athletes are making waves not just on the field, but as leading online creators within industries, such as wellness, personal care, beauty and fashion. Brands are increasingly partnering with professional athletes, recognizing the unique blend of authenticity, global reach, and cross-demographic appeal that enhances their brand’s visibility. Beyond their athletic prowess, these athletes now share their relatable behind the scenes moments and essential products they wear or use during their sporting events which resonate with fans worldwide.

So what’s one of the biggest stages for athletes to flex their athletic prowess and social power? The Olympics.

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games attracted over 30.6 million viewers with primetime coverage drawing in 4.1 million viewers daily. That said, it was not too long ago that only official sponsors of the Olympics could partner with Olympic athletes in addition to serious limitations with “blackout” periods. Starting in the summer of 2021, that all changed.  

Now heading into the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, a new set of athletes turned creators are garnering our attention. Check out our updated list of the Olympic athletes who are not just competing for medals but redefining what it means to be an influencer in the world of sports and digital media.

Rising and Top US Olympic Athletes with Influence

• Erin Jackson @speedyj
• Mikaela Shiffrin @mikaelashiffrin
• Chloe Kim @chloekim
• Red Gerard @redgerard
• Ilia Malinin @ilia_quadg0d_malinin
• Kendall Coyne Schofield @kendallcoyne26
• Jordan Stolz @stolz_jordan_
• Jessie Diggins @jessiediggins
• Amber Glenn @amberglenniceskater
• Alysa Liu @alysaxliu
• Jack Hughes @jackhughes
• Simone Biles @simonebiles
• Masai Russell @masai_russell
• Chiaka Ogbogu @chiaka11
• Ilona Maher @ilonamaher
• Dalilah Muhammad @dalilahmuhammad_
• Sha’Carri Richardson @itsshacarri
• Jordan Chiles @jordanchiles
• Sunisa Lee @sunisalee_

Winter Olympic Athletes with Influence

Erin Jackson (@speedyj): Erin Jackson is an Olympic gold medal–winning speed skater who made history as the first Black woman to win an individual Winter Olympic gold for Team USA. Known for her power, consistency, and advocacy around representation in winter sports, she’s partnered with brands like Eli Lilly (Ebglys). She recently was selected to be the flag bearer for the 2026 games and is a #CokePartner. 

Mikaela Shiffrin (@mikaelashiffrin): One of the most decorated alpine skiers of all time, Mikaela Shiffrin has redefined excellence in World Cup skiing with record-breaking wins and multiple Olympic medals. Her off-slope presence reflects performance and precision, with long-standing partnerships including Adidas, Atomic, Audi, Barilla, Oakley, Visa, Longines, and Land Rover. She most recently partnered with Adidas on a short film, “Mikaela Shiffrin by her Mom”.

Chloe Kim (@chloekim): Chloe Kim is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in snowboarding and one of the most recognizable faces in action sports. Beyond competition, she’s become a cultural figure bridging sport, fashion, and youth culture, collaborating with major athletic, lifestyle, and snowboard brands throughout her career. Recent partnerships include Batiste and Elle Magazine.

Red Gerard (@redgerard): Olympic slopestyle snowboarding gold medalist Red Gerard burst onto the global stage at just 17 and has since built a strong following for his laid-back style and creative riding. He’s worked primarily with snowboard, apparel, and action-sports brands, aligning closely with youth-driven and outdoor audiences. The most recent partnership was with Oakley. 

Ilia Malinin (@ilia_quadg0d_malinin): Known as the “Quad God,” Ilia Malinin is a U.S. figure skater celebrated for pushing technical boundaries and redefining what’s possible in men’s skating. His growing influence in the sport and on social media has made him a rising talent for performance-focused and sports lifestyle partnerships. Recent partnerships include Samsung and Coca Cola.

Kendall Coyne Schofield (@kendallcoyne26): Kendall Coyne Schofield is an Olympic gold medalist and one of the fastest players in women’s hockey history, also making headlines for competing in NHL skills events. A leader both on and off the ice, she’s worked with sports, fitness, and women-in-sport–focused brands. Most recently Kendall has teamed up with Honda.

Jordan Stolz (@stolz_jordan_): Jordan Stolz is a speed skating prodigy and multiple world champion who has quickly become one of the most dominant athletes in his sport. With his rapid rise and Olympic momentum, he’s emerging as a strong partner for performance, recovery, and training-driven brands. Most recent partnerships include Hershey, Honda and Comcast.

Jessie Diggins (@jessiediggins): Jessie Diggins is a trailblazer in U.S. cross-country skiing and one of the most successful American athletes the sport has ever seen. Known for her grit, humor, and authenticity, she’s collaborated with outdoor, endurance, and sustainability-minded brands throughout her career.

Amber Glenn (@amberglenniceskater): Amber Glenn is a U.S. figure skater recognized for her expressive performances and powerful technical content. Alongside her competitive success, she’s built a loyal fanbase, making her a natural fit for athletic apparel, beauty, and lifestyle partnerships. Recent partnerships include Starbucks, Bloom, and GOeSPRAY. 

Alysa Liu (@alysaxliu): Alysa Liu is a former world champion figure skater who made history with groundbreaking jumps at a young age. She’s worked with major global brands including Toyota, Nike, Samsung Galaxy, and Gillette Venus, balancing elite sport with mainstream appeal.

Jack Hughes (@jackhughes): Jack Hughes is an NHL star and one of the most dynamic offensive players in professional hockey today. Known for speed, creativity, and star power, he aligns naturally with sportswear, equipment, and youth-focused performance brands. Jack partnered with Polo Ralph Lauren to unveil the latest Team USA uniforms.

Summer Olympic Athletes with Influence

Simone Biles (@simonebiles): Widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, Simone Biles has transcended sport to become a global icon for excellence and mental health advocacy. Her brand portfolio includes Nike, GK Elite, Athleta, Core Power, Visa, United Airlines, Beats by Dre, and Hershey’s, among others.

Masai Russell (@masai_russell): Masai Russell is an emerging track athlete known for her speed, competitive edge, and growing digital presence. She represents the next generation of athletes connecting sport with style, making her a strong candidate for fashion-forward and performance-driven partnerships.

Chiaka Ogbogu (@chiaka11): Chiaka Ogbogu is a U.S. Women’s National Team volleyball standout and Olympic medalist, recognized for her dominance at the net and leadership on the court. She’s engaged with sports, wellness, and community-focused brands that align with empowerment and elite performance.

Ilona Maher (@ilonamaher): Ilona Maher is a U.S. rugby sevens Olympian who has built massive reach through her humor-driven, behind-the-scenes content. Her ability to humanize elite sport has made her especially appealing to fitness, lifestyle, and culture-first brand collaborations.

Dalilah Muhammad (@dalilahmuhammad_): Dalilah Muhammad is an Olympic gold medalist and world-record holder in the 400m hurdles, known for her composure and consistency at the highest level. She’s partnered with athletic and performance brands that value excellence, resilience, and longevity.

Sha’Carri Richardson (@itsshacarri): Sha’Carri Richardson is one of the most recognizable figures in track and field, blending elite sprinting with bold personal style and cultural impact. Her influence extends beyond competition, attracting sportswear, beauty, and lifestyle brands seeking standout individuality.

Jordan Chiles (@jordanchiles): Jordan Chiles is an Olympic medalist gymnast celebrated for her power, team leadership, and authenticity. She’s built a strong personal brand that resonates with athletic apparel, wellness, and youth-focused partners.

Sunisa Lee (@sunisalee_): Sunisa Lee is an Olympic all-around champion whose influence spans sport, fashion, and beauty. Her extensive brand work includes Target, L’Oréal, SKIMS, Gatorade, Amazon, Crocs, Marriott, Invisalign, and LEGO, positioning her as one of the most versatile athlete-creators today.

How Traackr spots rising athletes before they break out

The most impactful athlete partnerships aren’t built on follower count but on the early signals of influence. Using Traackr, you can identify rising athletes before they hit the mainstream by analyzing content themes, audience alignment, and long-term advocacy potential. From AI-powered content insights to lifecycle and lookalike analysis, Traackr helps teams discover emerging talent, understand who’s driving real impact, and invest in the athletes shaping what’s next—before everyone else catches on.