10 Paris Olympic Athletes Experiencing Astronomical Follower Growth
Paris Olympic athletes have captured the world’s attention, and it’s not just the thrilling performances that have people talking. Social media has become a significant arena where athletes’ influence is soaring, with many Olympians experiencing astronomical follower growth. From record-breaking sprinters to inspiring gymnasts, these athletes are not only competing for gold but also commanding massive online audiences. In this blog, we highlight ten standout Olympians who are making an impact both on and off the podium, thanks to their skyrocketing social media followings on Instagram. Using the Captiv8 platform we looked at the follower growth of these athletes over the time period between July 6, 2024 and August 5, 2024.
1. Stephen Nedoroscik: 2808% Follower Growth
@stephen_nedoroscik, 376K followers
Unsurprisingly, the biggest breakout star of the 2024 Paris Olympic athletes is Stephen Nedoroscik. The 25-year-old member of the U.S. men’s gymnastics team has seen his popularity skyrocket, gaining over 300,000 followers on Instagram in just a few days time, accounting for a staggering 2808% increase. Nedoroscik qualified for the men’s national gymnastics team to compete in one event: pommel horse. When it was his turn to shine, Nedoroscik delivered, nailing his routine to help clinch the bronze medal for the United States in the team final. This marked the U.S.’s first Olympic men’s gymnastics medal in the team competition since 2008, solidifying Nedoroscik’s status as a new fan favorite and social media sensation. Being hailed as the Clark Kent of gymnastics, Nedoroscik also went on to medal in the individual pommel house final.
2. Paul Juda: 704% Follower Growth
@paul.juda, 75.7K followers
Paul Juda became a viral sensation, capturing hearts with his emotional reaction to making the U.S. Olympic team. The gymnast’s journey to the Paris Olympics was marked by determination and consistency, as he delivered flawless performances across all six routines, avoiding any major errors. Juda’s exceptional scores on pommel horse, rings, and high bar surpassed his qualifying marks, contributing significantly to the team’s overall success. As a key member of the team alongside Nedoroscik, Juda played a pivotal role in leading the U.S. to earning a bronze. His heartfelt story and stellar performances have resonated deeply with fans leading to a remarkable 704% increase in his follower count, further cementing his place in the hearts of gymnastics enthusiasts worldwide.
Raw emotion from Paul Juda after making his first Olympic team. 🥲🇺🇸 #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/WvhV84BG2B
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) June 29, 2024
3. Thomas Ceccon: 531% Follower Growth
@ceccon_thomas, 664K followers
Swimmer Thomas Ceccon has been making waves both in the pool and on social media, with his follower count skyrocketing by 531%. Ceccon helped Team Italy win bronze in the men’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay on July 27 and then clinched gold in the men’s 100-meter backstroke event a few days later. However, it wasn’t just his athletic skills that caught the public’s attention. During the medal ceremony for the 4×100-meter freestyle relay, Ceccon unintentionally lifted his shirt while celebrating, revealing his well-defined abs, which quickly became a viral sensation.
4. Ilona Maher – 445% Follower Growth
Ilona Maher has seen a 445% increase in her follower count, and it’s easy to see why. Maher’s social media presence began to blossom during her debut with Team USA women’s rugby at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she captivated fans with her engaging and hilarious content. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Maher went viral once again, not only for helping Team USA secure a bronze medal but also for her behind-the-scenes content that fans find endlessly entertaining. Beyond her athletic achievements, Maher has become a role model for her confident and witty responses to critics. When a body-shaming commenter criticized her weight, Maher deftly shut them down with facts, reinforcing her positive influence and earning admiration from her growing fan base. Her blend of athletic excellence, humor, and empowerment has made her a standout figure on social media.
5. Helzy Rivera – 442% Follower Growth
@hezrivera, 323K followers
Sixteen-year-old gymnast Hezly Rivera has experienced an impressive 442% growth in her follower count, becoming a standout figure among the Paris Olympic athletes. As the youngest member of Team USA and the lone rookie on the U.S. women’s gymnastics team, Rivera has captivated audiences with her remarkable poise and talent. Competing in the qualification rounds for the uneven bars and balance beam, she showcased her potential and earned widespread admiration. Rivera’s youth, combined with her skill and determination, has made her a rising star in gymnastics, attracting a significant and enthusiastic following on social media.
6. Léon Marchand – 279% Follower Growth
@leon.marchand31, 1.2M followers
French swimmer Léon Marchand has seen his follower count surge by 279%, drawing comparisons to Olympic legend Michael Phelps. At the Paris Games, Marchand made headlines by breaking Phelps’ record in the 400m individual medley. The connection between the two champions runs deep; Marchand trained with Bob Bowman, the same coach who guided Phelps from childhood through his time at the University of Michigan. Demonstrating his dedication to following in Phelps’ footsteps, Marchand emailed Bowman expressing his desire to join his team at Arizona State University. This determination paid off, as Marchand became only the fourth swimmer in history to win four Olympic golds at a single Games. His extraordinary achievements and inspirational journey have captivated fans worldwide, driving his significant rise in social media followers.
7. Brody Malone – 275% Follower Growth
@brody1700, 131K followers
Brody Malone has experienced a 275% increase in his follower count, a testament to his resilience and dedication. As a key member of the bronze medal-winning U.S. men’s gymnastics team, Malone’s journey to the Paris Olympics has been nothing short of inspiring. After dislocating his knee in 2023 and undergoing three operations, Malone faced a grueling year of intensive training and rehabilitation, during which he had to relearn how to walk. Despite these challenges, Malone made an impressive return, competing on all six apparatuses. Serving as the de facto big brother of the 2024 team, Malone is the only member with previous Olympic experience, adding both leadership and valuable insight to the squad. His incredible comeback story has resonated with fans, driving his significant growth on social.
8. Rebeca Andrade – 247% Follower Growth
@rebecarandrade, 10M followers
Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade experienced a 247% follower growth during the 2024 Summer Olympics. This surge in popularity came after her stunning gold medal victory in the floor exercise, where she narrowly edged out Simone Biles by just 0.033 points. Andrade’s triumph was especially sweet considering her history of three ACL tears, which had previously limited her participation in the Tokyo Games. This year, she not only won individual gold but also helped Brazil secure a bronze in the team all-around event, making her the most decorated athlete in her country’s history. Her victory was celebrated by Biles and Jordan Chiles, who ensured the spotlight was on Andrade during the podium ceremony.
9. Asher Hong – 198% Follower Growth
@asher_hong04, 99K followers
Asher Hong has seen a substantial 198% increase in his follower count, reflecting his rising star power. At just 20 years old, Hong, who trains in Houston and is a sophomore at Stanford University, has already made a significant impact in the gymnastics world. Known for his exceptional talent, Hong earned NCAA team and vault champion honors with Stanford before dazzling the Olympic stage with one of the most difficult vaults in the sport. His routine, featuring two flips and a full twist, was aptly described by commentators as “death-defying.” This standout performance was crucial in helping the U.S. men’s team secure a bronze medal in the team event.
10. Henrik Christiansen – 197% Follower Growth
@henrikchristians1, 37.4K followers
Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen has seen a notable 197% increase in his Instagram follower count, though not for the reasons he might have hoped. While Christiansen, a three-time Olympian, intended to make waves with his distance swimming performances, he has become a social media sensation for a different reason: his passion for chocolate muffins. Despite finishing 20th in the men’s 1,500-meter freestyle prelims, Christiansen has captivated fans with his numerous TikToks dedicated to his love for the muffins available in the Olympic Village. With 11 videos showcasing his deep affection for the sweet treats, including a review where he gave the “choccy muff” a perfect-plus rating of 11 out of 10, Christiansen has humorously embraced his role as the “Olympic Muffin Man.” On TikTok alone Christiansen’s following has increased from 3,000 to over 400,000!
@henrikchristians1 The single greatest thing about the Olympic Village so far🤤 #fyp #muffins #olympics #paris2024 #olympictiktok #olympicvillage ♬ What You Won't Do for Love – Bobby Caldwell
Tap Into Athlete Influence: Leverage Captiv8 for Impactful Campaigns
The Paris Olympic athletes have not only showcased incredible talent but also highlighted the power of social media. From the inspiring comebacks of gymnasts like Brody Malone and Rebecca Andrade to the viral sensations of swimmers Léon Marchand and Henrik Christiansen, these athletes have captivated global audiences both in and out of their sporting arenas. Brands looking to harness the power of influencer marketing and Paris olympic athletes can leverage Captiv8’s comprehensive suite of tools to drive impactful campaigns and build strong consumer connections. With Captiv8, brands can identify and collaborate with influencers whose values align with their own, ensuring authentic and effective partnerships. Interested in learning more? Take a platform tour today!
