Athlete role models have a crucial role in the sports industry as well as in society in general, leading by example; being a source of inspiration to countless people all over the world. They are admired not only for their athletic skills but also for their character traits, personal values and ethical behavior. Through their great influence and power over crowds, they promote important social issues, making an impact that matters. As famous personas, they also have a major impact on fan engagement and consequently revenue generation for the sports industry, with sponsorship and endorsement deals. However, being an athlete role model does not come without challenges and pressure.
This month at the Money Smart Athlete Blog, we will explore the influence athlete role models have on youth development and sports participation, as well as the role of social media in athlete role modeling. Moreover, we will look into the impact athlete role models can have on fan engagement and loyalty, in addition to their relationship with sponsors and endorsements. Finally, we will focus on the challenges and struggles of being an athlete role model in the modern sports industry and offer insight on how to deal with them.
Athena P. Constantinou
E-mail: [email protected]
