December 30, 2021 1
1.5 kilometers on the track, 100 kilometers on Instagram Harmilan, a runner, is one of several athlete-influencers who use social media to grow their following and acquire endorsements. For a long time, social media is evade as a distraction or reduce to the ‘folded hands’ emoji. However, it has evolved into an integral part of an athlete’s development. The accounts, which are originally form to follow their role models and coworkers before being use to upload training videos and gym images; are now being utilize to garner followers and achieve business collaborations, completing the user-content creator-influencer cycle. The ground rules for interaction have shifted. Selfies that aren’t inspired or clips that aren’t creative are no longer acceptable. The streams are expertly choose and manage; and the endorsed brands and items have been thoroughly scrutinized. Likes, views, and follower numbers are sent out on a weekly basis. On and off the field, this new breed of athlete-influencers is obsess with stats. One of the first to notice was Harmilan Bains, the 1,500m national record holder with 106k Instagram followers and at least a half-dozen business agreements. “For us, there could be a life outside of sports.” When I’m on the ground, I give it my all, but once I’m back in the house, I leave it behind. I understand how short a professional athlete’s career is. “We need to examine current techniques,” said the 23-year-old, who broke the 1500m national record in September. “After I quit from athletics, I need to broaden my social media nearness indeed promote.” see ...