Olympic medalists are among the most outstanding individuals on the globe. Outstanding individuals generally excel later in life. Check out some of the greatest Olympians and how they are doing today.
Tara Lipinski
Tara Lipinski created history by becoming the 1997 World Figure Skating Champion at the age of 14 years, nine months, and ten days. The American skating sensation followed this accomplishment with Olympic gold in the 1998 Olympics, but when she turned professional that same year, she was no longer able to compete in contests. The media slammed her, with one journalist comparing it to joining the circus. Lipinski left her professional career in 2002, but subsequently stated that she was looking for something new, so she began working as a sports commentator.
Simone Biles
Biles is considered one of the greatest gymnasts in the world, with four gold medals and a slew of other gymnastics medals that make her the most decorated American gymnast. Since bringing home those golds in Rio 2016, she took a break but couldn’t stay away from the sport forever. With the Tokyo Olympics postponed until 2021, there’s still uncertainty over what exactly will happen, but Biles will likely be the biggest face of those competing.
Brooke Bennett
American swimmer Brooke Bennett had lost her grandfather mere days before winning big at Atlanta 1996. Despite the tragedy, winning gold anyway was a huge success story, although this personal story might have been overshadowed by swimming star Janet Beth Evans’ last appearance at the Games. Bennett won two more gold medals at the 2000 Olympics but was unable to qualify for the 2004 Olympics. She retired from competitive swimming, yet she coaches high school, opened and runs the Brooke Bennett Swim School, and swims marathons.