The Olympics have long been a stage where the world’s top athletes represent their countries in intense competitions. But did you know that some of these athletes have also found fame in the world of entertainment?
Celebrities Who Competed in the Olympics (And You Probably Didn’t Know)
These stars aren’t just famous in showbiz—they were also top athletes. Here are some celebrities who participated in the Olympic Games, and you might be surprised to learn who they are:
Jason Statham
Before becoming one of the biggest names in action movies, Jason Statham aspired to compete in Olympic diving. While he didn’t make it to the Games, he’s still a remarkable athlete, skilled in jiu-jitsu and kickboxing.
Geena Davis
Known for her roles in The Fly, Thelma & Louise, and Grey’s Anatomy, Geena Davis is also a talented archer who competed in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.
“I learned how to do sports for several movies: I had to learn how to play baseball, then how to fence, do taekwondo, horseback riding, ice skating, and all kinds of things,” Davis told People magazine.
Johnny Weissmuller
Famous for playing Tarzan in the 1920s and 30s, Johnny Weissmuller was also a celebrated athlete who won five gold medals in swimming at the 1924 and 1928 Olympic Games.
Bob Anderson
You might not know that the man who played Darth Vader in fight scenes was an Olympic athlete. Bob Anderson was a British fencer who competed in the 1952 and 1960 Olympic Games. He was also the fencing master behind the iconic sword duels in Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings.
Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) once said, “Bob Anderson was the one who really did Vader’s fights. It was supposed to be a secret forever, but in the end, I told George Lucas that I didn’t think it was fair.”
Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey, known for her fierce mixed martial arts career, won a bronze medal in judo at the 2004 Athens Olympics. After her Olympic success, she became a UFC star and then transitioned into acting.
Caitlyn Jenner
Before her gender transition, Caitlyn Jenner, known then as Bruce Jenner, won the gold medal in the decathlon at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.
Dolph Lundgren
While Dolph Lundgren is best known as Ivan Drago in Rocky IV and as a top Swedish bodybuilder, he wasn’t actually an Olympic athlete. However, he served as the leader of the modern pentathlon team for the U.S. delegation, coordinating efforts for the team and the U.S. Olympic Committee.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Alan Cruz in Cultura Colectiva
