From Gold Medals to New Ventures: Where Former U.S. Olympic Stars Are Today
NEW YORK, NY — With the excitement of the 2026 Winter Olympics underway, many fans find themselves reminiscing about the legendary athletes who once dominated the world stage. While some may wonder if these champions still wear their gold medals to bed, the reality is far more dynamic. Former U.S. Olympic stars have transitioned into a variety of roles, from entrepreneurs to ambassadors, continuing to inspire in new arenas.
Simone Biles, who amassed seven Olympic gold medals and 23 World Championship golds, has embraced life beyond gymnastics. Since 2020, she has been married to NFL safety Jonathan Owens, and in 2024, she starred in a Netflix docuseries chronicling her remarkable career. Meanwhile, Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian with 23 gold medals, has channeled his passion into philanthropy. His Michael Phelps Foundation promotes swimming and healthy lifestyles among youth, while he enjoys golf as a personal pastime.
Track star Allyson Felix, with seven Olympic golds, founded Saysh in 2021, a women’s sports apparel brand specializing in track and field spikes. Her commitment to fitness extended into public service during the Obama administration when she served on the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, a federal advisory group dedicated to promoting wellness nationwide.
Snowboarding legend Shaun White, holder of three Olympic gold medals, has ventured into entrepreneurship. In 2022, he launched his lifestyle brand, Whitespace, and two years later, he founded The Snow League, aiming to elevate snowboarding to mainstream sports status akin to basketball or football.
On the entertainment front, swimmer Ryan Lochte, a six-time Olympic gold medalist, has participated in multiple reality TV shows, including “Dancing with the Stars” and “Celebrity Big Brother.” In 2024, he appeared on “The Traitors,” demonstrating how athletes often cross into popular culture.
Basketball icons Sue Bird and Lisa Leslie, with five and four Olympic gold medals respectively, have left indelible marks on the WNBA. Bird co-owns the Gotham Football Club and her former team, the Seattle Storm, while Leslie has coached in the BIG3 league, showcasing leadership beyond playing.
Other notable figures include Carl Lewis, who became head coach of the University of Houston’s track and field team in 2025, and Michelle Kwan, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Belize during the Biden administration, blending sports achievement with diplomacy.
Figure skaters Kristi Yamaguchi and Tara Lipinski have also remained in the public eye. Yamaguchi, a Dancing with the Stars winner, founded the Always Dream Foundation and authored a bestselling children’s book. Lipinski, meanwhile, commentates on figure skating competitions and currently competes on “The Traitors.”
These athletes’ post-Olympic endeavors reflect a broader trend of champions leveraging their platforms to influence sports, culture, and society. Their journeys underscore the enduring impact of Olympic excellence beyond the medals.
For more on the legacy and ongoing contributions of Olympic athletes, visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and explore the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. Insights into athlete philanthropy can be found through the USA Swimming Foundation, while updates on Olympic sports development are available at the USA Snowboarding official site.
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