South Africa: Athlete influencers looking to connect with fans to compete for likes as well as medals at the GamesAthlete influencers to compete for likes and medals at Paris Olympics in bid to win over fans

Athletes on the hunt for Olympic gold will also be chasing likes and follows on social media in Paris, as a battle for a coveted piece of viral fame begins at the Games.

 A social media side hustle unlike any other will play out across a frantic 16 days beginning on 26 July with Olympians looking to exploit a narrow window to connect with fans from the Games on platforms such as YouTube, Tik Tok and Instagram.

 American rugby player Ilona Maher went viral at the Tokyo Olympics and now…