In their search for gold they take risks even far from the slopes and the courts.
They are going for gold, but not only on the track or the field. Some of the athletes immortalized in the history of the Olympic Games are also trying to reach first place in other ways, in this case on the screens of cinema or TV.
With the start of the 2024 Olympics, which will be held in Paris, it is time to talk about them too, as they are such versatile athletes who have also lent some of their sporting talent to the audiovisual arts. With this in mind, we have listed 10 Olympic athletes who have become actors and put on a show on the screen.
Ronda Rousey

The first North American to win an Olympic judo medal, a bronze, Ronda competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she gained worldwide recognition. In 2010, she made her debut as a mixed martial arts fighter, MMA, and two years later she was signed by the UFC. She made her first film appearance in 2014, in “The Expendables 3.” She has also starred in “Charlie’s Angels” (2019), “Fast & Furious 7” (2015) and the series “9-1-1” (2019).
Romulo Arantes

Father of actor and model Rômulo Arantes Neto, the actor and swimmer participated in three Olympic Games: Munich 1972, Montreal 1976 and Moscow 1980. Although he did not win medals, he broke the South American record in the 100-meter backstroke at the World Aquatics Championships 1973. He ended his swimming career in 1987 and has since devoted himself to acting. He has acted in soap operas such as “Sassaricando” (1987), “Pantanal” (1990) and “Perigosas Peruas” (1992). In cinema he starred in “Blame It on Rio” (1984), with the participation of Demi Moore, and “Leila Diniz” (1987).
Harold Sakata

The Japanese-American won the silver medal in weightlifting in the lightweight category at London 1948. Also a professional wrestler, he became famous as Oddjob, a character in “007 vs. Goldfinger” (1964).
Leandro Paes

The Indian tennis player was once the world number one in doubles and won the bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, after beating Brazilian Fernando Meligeni in an upset. In total, he competed in 7 Olympic Games and took the opportunity to act in the film Rajdhani Express (2013).
Johnny Weissmuller

Winner of 5 gold medals in swimming at the 1924 and 1928 Olympic Games, he turned to acting and, in 1932, was immortalised in the cinema playing Tarzan in the feature film “Tarzan, Legend of the Jungle”.
My Hamm
The soccer player won gold, silver, and gold medals at the 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney, and 2004 Athens Olympics with the U.S. women’s soccer team. On TV, she starred in the comedy series Arli$$.
Michael Jordan

A two-time Olympic medalist, having won gold at Los Angeles 1984 and Barcelona 1992, Michael Jordan has been recognized as one of the greatest basketball idols in the world. His immense legacy includes at least one unforgettable acting credit: when he played with the Looney Tunes in “Space Jam: The Game of the Century” (1996).
LeBron James

At the Olympics, LeBron won two gold medals (London 2012 and Beijing 2008) and one bronze medal (Athens 2004), and repeated Jordan’s feat by starring in the sequel “Space Jam: A New Legacy” (2021).
Apollo Ohno

A gold medalist in short track speed skating at the Winter Olympics, Apolo has starred in series such as “Superstore,” “Hawaii Five-0” and the television movie “Tasmanian Devils.”
McKayla Maroney

A former gymnast on the artistic gymnastics team, she won team gold and silver in the show jumping event at the 2012 Olympic Games. As an actress, she has appeared in “Bones,” “Hart of Dixie,” and even “Superstore.”
Source: Terra

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.