Winning the Olympics: Ilona Maher, Serena Williams, Aly Raisman 08/01/24
Aug 1, 2024
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Ilona Maher, a rugby Olympian and social media influencer, shares her aspirations following her team's bronze medal win. Four-time gold medalist Serena Williams discusses how technology and social media have revolutionized opportunities for female athletes. Aly Raisman, a retired gymnastics champion, reflects on the intense pressures of competition and supporting fellow athletes like Simone Biles. Together, they highlight the growing recognition and empowerment of women in sports.
Serena Williams highlights that advancements in technology and social media have significantly enhanced the visibility and investment in women's sports.
Aly Raisman emphasizes the psychological challenges elite athletes face, underscoring the importance of mental preparation and support systems during competition.
Deep dives
Empowerment in Women's Sports
The conversation highlights a significant shift in the visibility and investment in women's sports, particularly during the Olympics. Athletes like Serena Williams emphasize the long history of female athletes excelling in their fields and the recent surge in support attributed to advancements in technology and social media. This new era allows women athletes to share their stories and engage with fans directly, increasing their appeal and viewership. As a result, corporate sponsors and investors are more inclined to back women’s sports, recognizing their potential for growth and profitability.
Financial Opportunities from Olympic Success
The recent successes of athletes like Alona Marr from the U.S. women's rugby 7s team illustrate the financial implications of Olympic achievements. Winning a bronze medal not only brought home glory but also attracted significant investments, such as a $4 million donation to the program aimed at future growth. Through social media, athletes are capitalizing on their visibility to build personal brands, thereby creating financial opportunities that were previously uncommon. This trend indicates a promising future for women in sports, where performance can directly translate into economic gains.
Mental Resilience Among Olympians
Retired gymnast Allie Raisman discusses the immense pressure athletes face during competition, drawing parallels to the experiences of other gymnasts. Raisman shares insights on how mental preparation, muscle memory, and personal strategies can influence performance under pressure. The conversation also touches on the importance of support systems for mental health and the unique challenges faced by elite athletes, including distractions during competition. By sharing personal anecdotes, Raisman provides a relatable perspective on the psychological aspects of competing at the highest level.
Women at the 2024 Olympics are celebrating their moment. Four-time gold medalist Serena Williams says technology and social media have changed the game for female athletes that have been outperforming for years. One such social media star is rugby Olympian Ilona Maher, who shares her career goals in the wake of her team’s bronze medal win. Retired gymnast and Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman discusses the pressure in the arenas, whether she’s competing or cheering on her teammate, Simone Biles. Plus, Athleta CEO Chris Blakeslee explains the brand’s “Power of She” campaign, which celebrates women’s strength in sports–and capitalizes on their success. Catch all the Olympics events on Peacock and NBC!