- Text Janet Vasquez
- Design Paige Nuckols
This summer is undeniably the summer of women's sports (along with Brat Girl Summer, but that’s a given). Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and the entire WNBA have taken over our feeds; American Taylor Townsend dominated the women’s doubles at Wimbledon with her partner Kateřina Siniaková; and women’s sports took center stage at the ESPYs where tennis legend Serena Williams hosted the event.
And brands are noticing. Female athletes have become the most effective influencers. A recent report found that people are more than two times more likely to purchase a product when it’s endorsed by a female athlete, compared to another kind of influencer. This is perhaps a major reason brands are sending massive HaulTok care packages to athletes ahead of the Olympic Games. Yet, women in sports are still experiencing a disproportionate amount of support when it comes to their own merchandise sales.
With the Paris Olympics here, athletes can expect over one billion people around the world to tune in, which sounds like a lot of new fans who are going to be looking for their new favorite athlete’s jersey pretty soon. So brands, get ready.
From debut Olympic competitors to some of the most decorated female athletes of all time, here’s five women we are rooting for at the Olympics Games–and we hope you are too!
#1 Hezly Rivera | Competition: Gymnastics
Current Brand Partner: r.e.m beauty by Ariana Grande
The Paris Olympics marks the first Olympic Games for 16-year-old Hezly Rivera from New Jersey. She was a member of the silver-medal winning team at the 2023 Junior World Championship. As the youngest member of the Team USA gymnastics team, Rivera wowed the judges at the pre- qualifiers to secure her spot on the team heading to Paris. As Rivera enters the world stage, there will no doubt be an influx of followers and conversations around her on social media and in the news. To help her prepare for the life adjustment coming her way, what if a brand centered in emotional wellness and mindfulness stepped in and partnered with Rivera on meditation models?
#2 Sha'Carri Richardson | Competition: Track & Field
Current Brand Partner: Nike
Sha’Carri, a native Texan, returns to the Olympic stage after a suspension that kept her out of the Tokyo Games. Since then, she has won two world titles (one of those medals making her the fastest woman entering the Paris Olympics), appeared on the digital cover of Vogue’s August issue and more. This Olympic Games could be Richardson’s first opportunity at a gold medal and hopefully not the last. As an athlete known for her enviable personal style, perhaps there’s a local Texas apparel brand that could partner with the Texas Native to showcase her unique style.
#3 Simone Biles | Competition: Gymnastics
Current Brand Partners: Athleta and Visa
Often referred to as the GOAT, Simone is undoubtedly the most anticipated athlete to watch at this year’s games. All eyes will be on her as she makes her debut Olympic appearance since dropping out of the 2020 Tokyo Games. With 37 world and Olympic medals already under her belt, Biles will be competing to become the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history. Biles needs to secure one medal of any color in Paris to surpass the current seven medal record held by Shannon Miller. As the most experienced athlete on the team, it’s clear that her teammates look up to her, and mentorship looks great on her. Perhaps there’s an opportunity for her to share her mentorship skills with others through the right brand partnership.
#4 Katie Ledecky | Competition: Swimming
Current Brand Partners: LaCroix Water and Panasonic
Going into the Paris Olympics, Katie currently holds seven Olympic gold medals, three silver and 21 world championship gold medals–the most in history for a female swimmer. Oh, and one presidential medal of freedom. Ledecky has also been training with her coach’s daughter Erin Gemmel since Erin was a kid, showing her the ropes and taking her under her wing. Now, Gemmel will be competing along Ledecky at the Paris Games and we’re excited to see the two in action. As a certified mentor and big sister stand in, perhaps there's an opportunity for a partnership with a brand that specializes in mentorship, coaching and confidence building.
#5 Breanna Stewart | Competition: Basketball
Current Brand Partners: Puma Hoops and Ally (Financial Service)
New York Liberty Forward, Breanna Stewart is no stranger to accolades. As the 2023 WNBA MVP, and former Gatorade National Player of the Year, Stewart is returning to the Olympics seeking a third gold medal. Team USA is a fan favorite to once again return with the gold medal and Stewart is taking the lead on ensuring her teammates are building the right chemistry to make that dream a reality. As a mom to two young kids, Stewart shares an inside look into family life on her social media. Perhaps there’s an opportunity for a toy company to partner with Stewart on a family-forward announcement or product launch.
While these are just a few of the incredibly talented women we’re excited to watch over the next few weeks, all of Team USA is undeniably stacked with an aptitude for strength, resilience and competition and we’re wishing them all the best of luck. Brands, keep sending those Olympic HaulTok packages, and start thinking about how you’re going to celebrate your athletes in a way that is as unique as they are, post-Olympic Games and beyond.
