Athletes with Surprising Hobbies
While the world marvels at the athletic prowess of today’s top sports stars, it’s always intriguing to discover the surprising hobbies that many modern-day athletes pursue outside of their respective fields.
The surprising and varied extracurricular interests we’ve compiled in this piece not only showcase the diverse talents of these remarkable individuals, but will also hopefully provide fans with a glimpse into the multifaceted lives of their favorite sports icons.
1. Novak Djokovic – Mindfulness and Meditation
World-renowned tennis player Novak Djokovic has not only been dominating the tennis courts for nearly two decades; he has also embraced mindfulness and meditation as an integral part of his daily routine. Djokovic attributes part of his phenomenal success to these practices, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being in his overall performance. The Serbian athlete’s commitment to mindfulness reflects a growing trend among athletes who recognize the profound impact of mental strength on their athletic achievements.
2. Andre Iguodala – Tech Entrepreneurship
NBA veteran Andre Iguodala, known for his skills on the basketball court up until his retirement last year, has a surprising off-court interest – tech entrepreneurship. Iguodala has invested in numerous tech startups and even attended business school over the course of his successful basketball career. His venture into the tech world showcases a unique blend of athleticism and business acumen, challenging the stereotype of athletes as solely focused on sports.
3. Alex Morgan – Author and Philanthropist
An Olympic gold medalist and World Cup-winning football player, Alex Morgan’s prowess on the field is widely celebrated. But few realize that Morgan has also tipped her talented toes into the world of literature, co-authoring a book series aimed at empowering young female athletes. Morgan has been using her platform to inspire the next generation and promote positive messages both on and off the soccer field, and her literary pursuits demonstrate a commitment to making a lasting impact beyond her sporting career.
4. Chris Long – Craft Brewing
Former NFL defensive end and two-time Super Bowl champion Chris Long has found success off the field in the world of craft brewing. Long co-founded “Waterboys,” a philanthropic initiative providing clean water to communities in need. Meanwhile, his Victory Brewing Company venture combines his passion for craft beer with a commitment to charitable causes, showcasing how athletes can leverage their platform and extracurricular interests to make a positive impact in unexpected ways.
5. Simone Biles – Gymnastics Skills Challenges
Simone Biles is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, but in her down time she enjoys engaging in gymnastics skills challenges on social media, that go beyond the usual competitive routines. Biles often shares videos on social media where she attempts and masters unique gymnastic feats, showcasing her love for the sport outside the structured environment of competitions. Her playful and skillful approach to gymnastics challenges highlights the joy athletes can find in their craft, even when they’re not competing on the world stage.
6. Lionel Messi – Collecting Antiques
Lionel Messi needs no introduction thanks to his unparalleled reputation and footballing honours – most recently winning the World Cup with Argentina in 2022. What even some of his biggest fans may not realize, though, is that he also enjoys collecting antiques – from vintage watches to classic cars. This unusual hobby gives him a chance to unwind outside of the sporting and media spotlight. Ironically, Messi-affiliated items are fast gaining antique status in their own right: six shirts worn by the player during his 2022 World Cup campaign recently sold at Sotheby’s for $7.8 million, making them some of the most expensive sporting memorabilia in history.
Around the world and across a wide range of disciplines, world-class athletes continue to break stereotypes by embracing unexpected hobbies that enrich their lives and inspire fans worldwide. From tech entrepreneurship and literary pursuits to philanthropy and sports fundraising, these hobbies not only contribute to the athletes’ personal growth but also serve as a source of inspiration for those who admire them.
As we celebrate the diverse interests of these sports icons, we are reminded that athletes are not defined solely by their on-field achievements, but are instead dynamic and complex individuals with passions that extend far beyond the boundaries of their respective sports.