This Viral Photo Almost Ended the Career of This Pole Vaulter

Allison Stokke was a rising star in the world of pole vaulting, breaking records and setting new standards in her sport. However, a single photograph taken during a competition when she was just 17 years old catapulted her into an unwanted spotlight, nearly derailing her promising athletic career.

A Promising Start

Born on March 22, 1989, in Newport Beach, California, Allison Stokke grew up in a family passionate about sports. Her older brother was a national-level gymnast, and Allison herself gravitated towards pole vaulting during her high school years. She quickly made a name for herself, setting multiple national records for her age group and winning the U.S. title for 15/16-year-olds in 2004 with a vault of 3.81 meters.

The Photo That Changed Everything

In 2007, during a high school track meet, a journalist captured a photo of Stokke preparing for her event. The image, showing her in athletic gear, was initially posted on a track and field website. However, it was later reposted by a sports blog with a suggestive caption, drawing attention not to her athletic prowess but to her appearance. The photo went viral, spreading rapidly across the internet and social media platforms.

Unwanted Attention and Its Impact

The sudden fame brought by the viral photo was overwhelming for Stokke. She received numerous unsolicited messages and faced objectification from strangers worldwide. The attention shifted the focus from her athletic achievements to her looks, causing significant distress. Stokke and her family sought legal counsel to address the misuse of her image, but the damage had already been done.

Perseverance Amidst Adversity

Despite the challenges, Stokke remained committed to her sport. She earned an athletic scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley, where she continued to compete at a high level. She achieved All-American honors at the 2011 NCAA Indoor Championships and aimed to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. Although she did not make the Olympic team, her dedication to pole vaulting never wavered.

Transition to Modeling and Advocacy

Recognizing the platform she had, Stokke transitioned into fitness modeling, working with major brands like Nike, Athleta, and Uniqlo. She also collaborated with GoPro, creating content that highlighted the intricacies of pole vaulting. Through her work, Stokke aimed to shift the narrative, emphasizing her athletic skills and advocating for the respectful treatment of female athletes.

Personal Life and Continued Influence

In 2017, Stokke began dating professional golfer Rickie Fowler. The couple got engaged in 2018 and married in 2019. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Maya, in November 2021. Stokke continues to inspire many through her resilience and dedication to her passions