Olympic Athletes Have Taken Over TikTok. Here Are Some Of The Best Videos

Athletes have become social media stars after giving the people what they want: the behind-the-scenes action at the Tokyo Olympics.

By Ashleigh Carter

Published on 7/30/2021 at 12:14 PM

Team USA's athletes Courtney Hurley (L), Ilona Maher (C), and Drew Kibler (R), have used TikTok to post hilarious videos from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. | TikTok
Team USA's athletes Courtney Hurley (L), Ilona Maher (C), and Drew Kibler (R), have used TikTok to post hilarious videos from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. | TikTok

Olympians have skyrocketed to fame this year not only for their athletic abilities in the world’s most notable competitions but because of TikTok.

Many Olympic athletes have taken to the video-sharing app to show the behind-the-scenes life in the Olympic Village and have proven to the world that the games are essentially just one giant summer camp. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) lifted its previously strict rules about social media use for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, allowing athletes to document almost anything they’d like, aside from the actual games. TikTok has become flooded with Olympic content and has given millions of viewers a rare glimpse into life at the Games.

After being given the green light, the Olympians delivered. Here are some of the best TikToks:


Team USA gymnast Sunisa Lee celebrates her gold medal

Japanese fencer Kaito Streets relives his, ahem, injury

And show’s viewers a day in the life

Nigerian basketball player Erika Ogwumike also gives a glimpse into her day

Basically anything Ilona Maher has posted:

Japanese surfer Kanoa Igarashi responds to people thirsting after him

Team USA swimmer Drew Kibler trying on all of his Olympic gear

English sprinter Laviai Nielsen answers some hard-hitting questions

And showed everyone how often she gets COVID-19 tested

Raven Hulk Saunders of Team USA’s track and field is in disbelief that she’s at the Olympics

Irish rugby player Harry McNulty trying to say hi to Americans

American diver Tyler Downs wanting to get Simone Biles’s attention

American fencer Courtney Hurley being able to joke about a loss

Erik Shoji of Team USA volleyball tests out the food in the dining hall

Cody Melphy shows what Team USA rugby does between games

And shows off the Olympic Village

Team USA’s women’s swimming casually goofing around in the Olympic pool

And finally, the official Olympics TikTok trying to convince people of the real reason behind the cardboard beds