Reality TV has become such a popular avenue for celebrities to make a few quick bucks. Even Olympians have jumped at the opportunity to become a reality star, even for just a moment.
It’s no surprise why celebrity athletes are taking a chance at reality television. It’s an extremely popular genre that has successfully launched the careers of many stars.
Here are 4 former Olympians who have appeared on reality TV.
1. Caitlyn Jenner
Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Bruce Jenner, was one the most well-known athletes in the 1970s.
Bruce broke the world record in men’s decathlon during the Olympic Games in Montreal in 1976.
After a successful athletic career, Bruce got married to Kris Jenner and eventually starred alongside his family in Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which became one of the most popular reality TV shows in history.
In 2015, Jenner made the transition to become Caitlyn and now identifies as a woman. Some of Caitlyn’s story, as well as her tension with former wife Kris, was aired on the show.
2. Mohamed Hadid
Mohamed Hadid was a former speed skier who represented Jordan in the 1992 Winter Olympics. He is the father of supermodels Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid.
Because of his association with Yolanda, Mohamed was seen in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. He is also great friends with Lisa Vanderpump, whom he was often seen with in some of the episodes of the Bravo reality series.
While he is well-known in the real estate and business world, Mohamed doesn’t think much of his success and society knows him better as the father of Gigi and Bella.
“People don’t look at me as Mohamed Hadid,” he said to The Times. “They look at me as the father of Gigi and Bella and Anwar and Alana and Marielle.”
3. Simone Biles
American gymnast Simone Biles, who is one of the most well-decorated athletes with 32 Olympic and world medals, also had a brief stint as a reality star in Dancing with the Stars.
In the reality competition show, fans got to see a different side of the athlete as she sashayed to 4th place with dance partner Sasha Farber in season 24.
One of her most memorable moments on the show was when she clapped back to judges’ criticism that she wasn’t smiling.
“Smiling doesn’t win you gold medals," Biles said.
4. Nastia Liukin
Another Olympic gymnast who showed off her dancing skills in the same show is Nastia Liukin.
Liukin joined the show’s 20th season and was partnered with Derek Hough. She had a consistently high score during the season but was unfortunately eliminated in the ninth week, finishing 4th place overall.
]]>The Inquisitr
