Famous Olympic Medalists: Where Are They Now?
Winning a gold medal at the Olympics brings great pride and happiness to a country. It shows the world that one of their own is the best in their sport. These athletes become national heroes, and their names make headlines.
But what happens after the Olympics are over?
We’re not just talking about the empty Olympic village – that’s a sad story too. We’re talking about the athletes themselves. What happens when they return home after reaching the peak of success?
Many Olympic champions face big changes. Some get sports sponsorships, celebrity endorsements, and media deals. Others struggle to find a clear path. Without the right retirement planning for athletes or access to athlete insurance, life after gold can be tough.
Some athletes move into coaching careers, others become motivational speakers, or start businesses. A few use their fame to launch a post-Olympic career in fitness or health industries.
Success after the Olympics depends on smart planning, support, and good opportunities. It’s not just about winning gold—it’s about building a future beyond the games.
Kerri Strug
Kerri Strug became a national hero during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics as part of the Magnificent Seven. Despite a painful ankle injury, she nailed her vault and helped Team USA win gold in Women’s Gymnastics. Kerri gave up her chance to compete in the Individual All-Around to support her team.
Today, Kerri remains a symbol of determination and teamwork. Her Olympic legacy has led to motivational speaking gigs, celebrity endorsements, and ongoing public appearances.
Dominique Moceanu
Dominique Moceanu made history at 14 years old, becoming the youngest gymnast to win gold in the 1996 Olympics. She took Kerri Strug’s place in the Individual All-Around.
After battling multiple injuries, Dominique stepped away from competing and focused on sports coaching and earned a degree in Business Management. Her autobiography reveals the truth behind elite gymnastics. Today, she’s a voice for athlete wellness and fair treatment.
Summer Sanders
Summer Sanders, a four-time Olympic gold medalist from the 1992 Barcelona Games, quickly transitioned into a sports media career. She became an NBC Olympic commentator and later hosted the popular show Figure It Out on Nickelodeon.
Her athletic fame and communication skills helped her land top TV hosting contracts and brand partnerships. She is also married to Olympic skier Erik Schlopy.
Alicia Sacramone
Alicia Sacramone won 12 national medals between 2004 and 2008. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she earned silver with Team USA. She attempted a comeback in 2012 but didn’t qualify.
After retiring, Alicia became a spokesmodel for CoverGirl, showing how Olympians can enter the beauty and lifestyle endorsement world. Her story is an example of how gymnasts can build a post-athletic personal brand.
Nastia Liukin
Nastia Liukin comes from an Olympic family and became a global sensation by winning five medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, including one gold. She retired in 2012 but stayed active in the gymnastics world.
Nastia used her fame to launch fashion lines, join sports broadcasting, and grow her audience as a fitness and lifestyle influencer. Her success shows the power of Olympic legacy branding.
Edwin Moses
Edwin Moses dominated Olympic hurdles with two gold medals and 107 straight wins. He broke four world records between 1977 and 1987.
He later became a leader in sports ethics and earned an honorary doctorate in Olympic Sports Integrity. Edwin’s post-sports life includes public speaking, sports consulting, and roles in athletic policy reform.
Sir Chris Hoy
Sir Chris Hoy is the most successful Olympic cyclist, with six gold medals. After his Olympic retirement, he shifted gears into race car driving and became an Honorary Group Captain for the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.
Hoy’s story is a powerful example of career change after sports, combining passion and opportunity.
Nadia Comaneci
Nadia Comaneci made history with the first perfect 10 in gymnastics. She won three gold medals and a total of nine Olympic medals.
Today, she works as a gymnastics commentator, brand ambassador, and mentor to young athletes. Along with her husband Bart Conner, she runs a gymnastics academy and supports youth programs.
Dominique Dawes
Dominique Dawes, another key member of the Magnificent Seven, won gold in the 1996 Olympics and competed on three different U.S. gymnastics teams.
She now works as a sports adviser for the U.S. government and speaks on athlete mental health, sports diversity, and female empowerment. Dawes is also a commentator and close friend of McKayla Maroney.
Janet Beth Evans
Janet Evans, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, amazed fans with her unique freestyle stroke. She won two golds in both the 1988 and 1992 Olympics and also held world records in distance swimming.
Now living in Laguna Beach, California, Janet serves on a committee dedicated to bringing the Olympics back to the U.S. She’s also involved in sports promotion, public speaking, and Olympic legacy branding.
Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps holds 28 Olympic medals, including 23 golds – a world record. Known as the fastest swimmer in the world, Phelps retired at 31.
Post-retirement, he has become an advocate for mental health awareness in athletes, enjoys golf, and invests time in his family. He is also active in fitness product endorsements and swimming brand partnerships.
Kristi Yamaguchi
Kristi Yamaguchi won Olympic gold in figure skating in 1992 and is also a two-time World Champion. After retiring, Kristi co-authored a children’s book and won Season 6 of Dancing with the Stars.
Kristi is now active in children’s education, brand partnerships, and inspirational speaking, making her a strong figure in the parenting and wellness space.
Allyson Felix
Allyson Felix is the most decorated female U.S. track athlete with six Olympic golds. She’s also a three-time World Champion.
Felix is a strong voice for women’s rights in sports, especially around sponsorships for pregnant athletes. She continues to compete and support the anti-doping movement, making her a leader in athlete advocacy.
Carl Lewis
Carl Lewis won four gold medals in one Olympic games – the 1984 Olympic Events. If we are looking at his entire career, Lewis has won nine Olympic gold medals and 10 World Championships for track and field.
After retiring, Lewis started his own branding agency, C.L.E.G., helping companies with athlete marketing and endorsements. He also ran for public office, showing how athletes can step into politics and business leadership.
Mary Lou Retton
Mary Lou Retton made history as the first American woman to win Olympic gold in the Individual All-Around Gymnastics event.
After retiring, she became a fitness ambassador, appearing in commercials and speaking about health and wellness. Mary Lou now lives in Houston and promotes healthy living as part of her personal brand.
Amy Van Dyken
Amy Van Dyken won six gold medals in swimming at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, becoming the first American woman to achieve this in one Olympic Games
In 2014, she suffered a spinal cord injury in an ATV accident and is now paralyzed from the waist down. Despite this, Amy is a motivational speaker, spinal injury advocate, and uses social media to inspire others through her recovery and resilience.
Ian Thorpe
Ian Thorpe, Australia’s most decorated swimmer, won five Olympic gold medals. He shocked many when he revealed he was allergic to chlorine—a rare condition for a swimmer.
A shoulder injury in 2013 ended his competitive career. Since then, Thorpe has become a sports philanthropist and received a Doctor of Letters from Macquarie University. He’s also known for being an advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in sports and is involved in mental health awareness.
McKayla Maroney
McKayla Maroney gained fame as a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic “Fierce Five,” winning gold in the Women’s Team All-Around and silver in vault.
A chronic injury pushed her out of competition, but she now focuses on a career in entertainment, making guest appearances in TV shows. Maroney is also active on social media, building a personal brand through influencer marketing and celebrity endorsements.
Bart Conner
Bart Conner, a double Olympic gold medalist from the 1984 Games, is best known for his skills on the parallel bars.
Today, Conner runs the Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy in Norman, Oklahoma, with his wife and fellow Olympic legend Nadia Comaneci. Together, they promote youth sports education and gymnastics coaching.
Natalie Coughlin
Natalie Coughlin started swimming at age 6 and became a 12-time Olympic medalist. She was the first woman to swim the 100m backstroke in under one minute.
After retiring, she launched a line of organic food products, making her a strong player in the health and wellness industry. Natalie continues to inspire as a brand ambassador for female athletes.
Paavo Nurmi
Paavo Nurmi competed in 12 Olympic events and won nine gold and three silver medals in long-distance running. Known as The Flying Finn, Nurmi was a national treasure in Finland.
He also had a love for classical music and played the violin. Nurmi passed away in 1973, but his legacy lives on through athletic scholarships and tributes.
Usain Bolt
Usain Bolt made history at the Rio 2016 Olympics with nine gold medals in sprinting. Despite media scandals and personal controversies, Bolt remains a global icon.
He’s now focused on business ventures, sports endorsements, and even tried professional soccer. Bolt is a top influencer in fitness branding and sportswear deals.
Mike Eruzione
Mike Eruzione led Team USA to a historic win against the Soviet Union in the 1980 Olympics, known as the “Miracle on Ice.”
After retiring, Eruzione became Director of Special Outreach at Boston University. He was also part of the team that lit the Olympic cauldron in 2002, keeping his place in American sports history.
Matt Biondi
Larisa Latynina held the record for the most Olympic gold medals by a female for nearly five decades—18 total medals.
After retiring, she coached the Soviet gymnastics team, leading them to three Olympic golds. Her impact on gymnastics is still seen today through her elite coaching legacy.
Larisa Latynina
Jean-Claude Killy won three gold medals at the 1968 Winter Olympics. He is known not only for his skiing but also for his global influence, including friendships with world leaders like Vladimir Putin.
Today, Killy is semi-retired and occasionally appears in the media, representing luxury sports brands and international sporting organizations.
Jean-Claude Killy
Jean-Claude Killy made history at the 1968 Olympics, winning three gold medals in alpine skiing. While celebrated for his athletic dominance, he later gained attention for his high-profile friendship with Vladimir Putin.
Now retired, Killy maintains a presence in international sports diplomacy and luxury brand endorsements. He has three children and remains a respected figure in global athlete relations.
Bjorn Daehlie
Bjorn Daehlie won eight Olympic golds and 29 total medals across Olympics and World Championships. Beloved in Norway, Daehlie is more than an athlete — he’s also a fashion designer and entrepreneur with his own sportswear brand.
He’s a top example of how Olympic fame can fuel apparel lines and athlete-driven fashion startups.
Sawao Kato
Sawao Kato claimed 12 Olympic medals — eight gold — as part of Japan’s gymnastics team in the 1970s. His specialty was the parallel bars, where he led Japan to team and individual victories.
Now an adjunct professor at the University of Tsukuba, Kato is shaping Japan’s future athletes through academic mentorship and gymnastics coaching.
Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi won Olympic gold in 1996 and is one of the most recognizable names in tennis. While he once made headlines for personal drama, Agassi is now focused on education philanthropy and lives a quiet life with fellow tennis star and wife, Steffi Graf.
He also supports youth sports programs and appears in health and fitness campaigns.
Aly Raisman
Aly Raisman led Team USA to gold in the 2012 London Olympics and became the first American woman to win gold in the individual floor routine.
After retiring, Aly joined Dancing with the Stars and emerged as a voice for athlete safety, speaking out on important issues in sports. She now works as a motivational speaker and mental health advocate.
Mia Hamm
Mia Hamm is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA World Cup Champion. She was also named FIFA’s Female World Player of the Year twice and is considered one of the greatest female athletes ever.
Today, Hamm is a global brand ambassador for FC Barcelona and a role model in women’s sports marketing and athlete advocacy.
Brigit Fisher
Germany’s Birgit Fischer competed in eight Olympic Games over 24 years, winning eight gold medals and over 35 World Championship titles in kayaking.
After retiring, she pursued a career in professional photography and is a popular figure in outdoor adventure branding and lifestyle sports promotions.
Michelle Kwan
Michelle Kwan, a silver medalist at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, started skating at age five and became one of the most decorated figure skaters in U.S. history.
After retiring, she served as a U.S. public diplomacy ambassador, using her fame to promote global relations and education programs. She also appears in beauty and wellness campaigns.
Rulon Garden
Rulon Gardner shocked the world by winning gold in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, followed by bronze in 2004.
His journey includes surviving a plane crash and a severe injury, making him a symbol of resilience. Today, Gardner shares his story as a motivational speaker and health coach.
George Foreman
George Foreman won Olympic gold in boxing at the 1968 Mexico City Games and later became a two-time world heavyweight champion.
He is now a household name in fitness products, most famously through the George Foreman Grill, and has built a massive empire in sports merchandising and athlete branding. Fun fact: all five of his sons are also named George.
Mark Spitz
Mark Spitz, a Russian-American swimmer, made history by winning nine Olympic gold medals at the 1968 and 1972 Olympics. He later joined the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Spitz became a motivational speaker, TV personality, and successful sports commentator, helping brands with legacy athlete endorsements.
Gregory Louganis
Greg Louganis won gold at both the 1984 and 1988 Olympics, even after suffering a head injury during a dive in Seoul. Diagnosed with HIV in 1995, Louganis became a powerful voice for HIV awareness and LGBT representation in sports.
Today, he mentors young divers and works closely with the U.S. Diving Team, turning his experience into sports mentorship and motivational coaching.
Gabrielle Douglas
Gabby Douglas became the first African American woman to win the individual all-around gold medal in gymnastics at the 2012 London Olympics. She added another team gold in Rio 2016.
Gabby is now involved in youth gymnastics outreach, brand deals, and inspirational speaking, showing young athletes how to balance sports and personal growth.
Jacqueline Kersee
Jackie Joyner-Kersee won multiple Olympic medals, including gold in the heptathlon at the 1992 Olympics. Her records still stand today.
Post-retirement, she became a fitness foundation leader and philanthropist, advocating for youth sports development and athlete scholarship programs.
Ole Einar Bjørndaleni
Nicknamed the King of the Biathlon, Ole Einar Bjørndalen is one of the most decorated Winter Olympians, with eight gold medals among his 44 international medals.
He remains active as a coach and sports ambassador for Norway, proving that dedication to sports performance consulting can last beyond competition.
Dorothy Hamill
Dorothy Hamill won Olympic gold in figure skating at the 1976 Winter Games. She went on to star in Broadway on Ice and TV specials.
She is now an advocate for arthritis awareness and promotes senior fitness initiatives, making her a leading voice in health and wellness endorsements.
Dara Torres
Dara Torres won 12 Olympic medals across five Olympic Games. After a major knee surgery, she proved age is just a number in competitive swimming.
Today, Torres is a fitness spokesperson, author, and media personality, working with top brands in health supplements and anti-aging fitness.
Apolo Ohno
Apolo Ohno dominated short track speed skating, earning eight Olympic medals. He became a motivational speaker, commentator, and even won Dancing with the Stars in 2007.
Now, he runs a nutrition supplements company and teaches mental strength coaching, blending sports and entrepreneurship.
Shaun White
Shaun White won gold medals in snowboarding at the 2006, 2010, and 2018 Olympics and holds more X-Games medals than any other athlete.
He’s now a fashion brand ambassador, TV personality, and active in extreme sports promotions, also lending his voice to shows like American Dad.
Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley was part of the legendary 1992 Dream Team and won Olympic gold again in 1996. Known for his bold personality, he became a successful NBA commentator.
Barkley also appears in sports betting ads, TV campaigns, and is a major figure in sports media branding.
Dick Fosbury
Dick Fosbury revolutionized the high jump with his unique back-first style, winning gold at the 1968 Olympics.
His technique is now used worldwide. Fosbury became an engineer, coach, and motivational speaker—pioneering technical innovation in athletics.
Sergey Bubka
Sergey Bubka, originally from Ukraine, broke the Men’s Pole Vault World Record over 30 times, often beating his own records. Representing the Soviet Union, he became a global legend in athletics.
In 2012, he was inducted into the IAAF Hall of Fame and now plays a major role in international sports leadership and Olympic development.
Jan Zelezny
Czech champion Jan Železný set the world record in javelin with a throw of 98.48 meters. He’s the only man in history to win three Olympic gold medals in javelin.
Today, Železný works for the International Olympic Committee and trains elite athletes in Prague, showing how top athletes transition into Olympic coaching careers.
Shannon Lee Miller
Shannon Miller was a leader of the 1996 “Magnificent 7” gymnastics team and is one of the most decorated American female gymnasts.
With seven Olympic medals, she became a role model and now runs Shannon Miller Lifestyle, a platform focused on women’s health, fitness coaching, and cancer awareness.
Cathy Freeman
Cathy Freeman was the first Aboriginal Australian to win gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, becoming a national hero.
Today, she leads the Cathy Freeman Foundation, supporting Indigenous education and promoting equality through sports-driven education initiatives.
Chad Le Clos
South African swimmer Chad le Clos gained fame after beating Michael Phelps in the 200m butterfly at the 2012 London Olympics.
He remains active in international competitions and continues to build his reputation through swimwear endorsements and motivational appearances.
Kerri Walsh Jennings
Kerri Walsh Jennings is the most decorated beach volleyball player in Olympic history, winning three golds and one bronze from 2004 to 2016.
She co-founded a sports foundation and runs volleyball clinics, making her a leader in athlete mentorship and sports education.
Sir Steve Redgrave
Sir Steve Redgrave won five Olympic gold medals in rowing over five Games, earning a knighthood and national admiration.
He’s now involved in British Olympic mentoring and sports charity work, proving the power of athlete-driven philanthropy.
Caitlyn Jenner
As Bruce Jenner, Caitlyn won gold in the 1976 decathlon, earning the title “World’s Greatest Athlete.” She later became a reality TV star and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Her transition was documented in her own show, and she continues to speak on gender identity, athlete media branding, and motivational transformation.
Tonya Harding
Tonya Harding was once a figure skating champion with five gold medals to her name. However, she was banned from skating after being linked to the 1994 attack on fellow skater Nancy Kerrigan.
She later tried professional boxing and appeared in reality shows, becoming a topic of sports scandal documentaries and media marketing.
Nancy Kerrigan
Nancy Kerrigan won silver at the 1994 Olympics, despite being injured in an infamous attack. She became a symbol of resilience and courage.
She now works in media commentary, public speaking, and supports anti-bullying campaigns and youth empowerment through sports.
Shawn Johnson
Shawn Johnson won four Olympic medals in 2008 and became a fan favorite for her grace and determination.
After retiring due to injury, she launched a lifestyle brand, wrote bestselling books, and appears in major brand partnerships across fitness, parenting, and home life niches.
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