Leonardo DiCaprio at the 2009 NBA Playoffs | Brady Ellison at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games | Source: Getty Images
- The Paris Olympics are heating up, and fans are watching every moment, picking their favorites and cheering on these competitors from around the world.
- But people are also noticing that several legendary Olympic athletes, including some still participating this year, look like everyone’s favorite Hollywood stars!
- Can you guess who’s their celebrity doppelgänger by the first picture?
As the Olympic Games unfold in Paris, fans are not just marveling at the incredible athletic feats on display. They’re also noticing some uncanny resemblances between top athletes and well-known celebrities. But it’s not the first time this has happened.
In Rio 2016, one archer was linked to one of the biggest actors in the world, and at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, a certain singer/actress was compared to a taekwondo expert! Let’s take a look at the TOP 5 Olympian legends and competitors who look like some of the most famous celebrities in Hollywood.
Brady Ellison
This American athlete was born on October 27, 1988. He holds an impressive record for the longest continuous period as the world’s number-one-ranked men’s recurve archer, from August 2011 to April 2013.
His skill and dedication to this sport have earned him the nickname “The Prospector,” a moniker he received during the 2015 world championships due to his knack for ‘finding gold.’
Brady Ellison of the US shoots an arrow during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Men’s Team semifinal match at the Sambodromo archery venue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on August 6, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Ellison’s time in archery began at a young age. He was part of a bow-hunting family and started shooting with toy equipment as a baby. At the age of seven, he received his first compound bow, and in 2005, he made the switch to recurve archery.
This transition proved to be a game-changer for Ellison, as he went on to win his first senior event at just 17 years old, less than a year after making the switch. However, he has never won an Olympic medal.
The archer is looking to change that this year. “I don’t think you can be considered the best ever if you don’t win an Olympics,” Ellison believes.
At the end of the day, an Olympic medal is his ultimate goal, but his dedication to this practice goes beyond mere competition. “Archery is not just sport for me. Archery is truly my life. Everything that I do is with a bow,” he explained.
Despite how easy he has made archery look, his career and life haven’t been a breeze. At five, he was diagnosed with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a condition that affects the hips. This early setback required him to wear leg braces, and he still experiences complications from the condition.
Later, at 17, he was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune reaction that causes an underactive thyroid. Yet, Ellison persevered through resilience and determination.
One of his most memorable achievements came in 2020 at the Vegas Shoot, where he shot a perfect score of 900. Reflecting on this accomplishment, he said:
“This is my biggest accomplishment in archery. This is three days of perfection. I had to shoot perfect three days in a row. There’s a ton of money on this. What I did here – you couldn’t make a single mistake, and this is the first time in my career that I was 100%.”
Brady Ellison of the United States competes in the Men’s Individual Quarterfinal on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Sambodromo on August 12, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Source: Getty Images
Although he hasn’t won an Olympic medal, he has come first at the World Championships. In 2019, he earned the gold medal, becoming the first world champion for the United States since 1985. Furthermore, in 2013, Ellison won team gold, and in 2021, team silver.
Brady Ellison at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games | Leonardo DiCaprio at the 2009 NBA Playoffs | Source: Getty Images
Fans were quick to notice the uncanny resemblance between Ellison and the “Killers of the Flower Moon” actor. On an X post by CNN captioned, “Leonardo DiCaprio may have a look-alike competing at #Rio2016,” one user commented, “Wait, that’s not Leo? @CNN [sic].”
Similarly, on a different X post by New York Daily News captioned, “DICAPRIO DOUBLE: U.S. Olympic archer Brady Ellison dubbed Leo’s look-alike,” a fan chimed in this comment:
Brady Ellison of the United States competes in the Men’s Individual round of 8 Elimination Round on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Sambodromo on August 12, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Source: Getty Images
Someone else wrote, “Many don’t know, but Brady Ellison is actually Leonardo DiCaprio’s alter-ego.” The similarities between both are striking, especially when picturing DiCaprio in movies like “Django Unchained.”
There are enough differences to know they’re two different people. Still, fans can keep having fun making comparisons, and hopefully, the archer will achieve his dream of an Olympic medal in Paris, just like DiCaprio won his Oscar in 2016 after years of work!
Let’s look at the next Olympic athlete, who may or may not be having a bad romance.
Julyana Al-Sadeq
The Jordanian taekwondo star is not only making waves in this discipline but also, culturally. While preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Al-Sadeq reflected on the societal challenges she had overcome and the significance of being a role model for young girls in her home country.
Julyana Al-Sadeq of Team Jordan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Makuhari Messe Hall on July 26, 2021 in Chiba, Japan | Source: Getty Images
Her path to Olympic success has had its hurdles. After the disappointment of not qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics, she has gone on to achieve incredible heights in her sport.
Her perseverance has paid off, as she’s now a two-time Asian Championships gold medalist and has reached the coveted world number-one ranking in taekwondo. She already competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games (held in 2021) but hopes to win her first Olympic medal in Paris.
The support of Olympic Solidarity has played a crucial role in Al-Sadeq’s career. As a scholarship holder, she has been able to take her training to new levels and focus on refining her skills.
“I was overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement when I learned about Olympic Solidarity’s support. It’s been so special for me,” she shared. This monetary aid has not only improved her physical training but has also had a significant impact on her mental health.
Milena Titoneli of Brazil and Julyana Al-Sadeq of Jordan compete in women’s -67kg taekwondo round of 16 bout during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan on July 26, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
“You don’t have to worry about your financial problems [with Olympic Solidarity], which can take a lot out of you, especially when you’re overthinking,” Al-Sadeq explained. “It really has changed a lot in my life. I can train with a fully concentrated brain and focus on developing myself more and more to achieve my goals.”
Now, who does she look like? Of course, it’s Lady Gaga! Tons of fans have noticed it too!
Singer and actress Lady Gaga arrives for the premiere of the film “A Star is Born” presented out of competition on August 31, 2018 | Julyana Al-Sadeq of Team Jordan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Makuhari Messe Hall on July 26, 2021 in Chiba, Japan | Source: Getty Images
In 2021, on an X post by Billboard captioned, “@ladygaga seems to have a doppelgänger competing in the Tokyo Olympics,” one user humorously commented, “That ain’t not doppelgänger, mama that’s gaga herself [sic].“
When Gaga Daily posted, “Why is Lady Gaga at the Olympics?”, followers were quick to react. One user shared, “My mum just saw this and said ‘why is lady gaga at the olympics for [sic]??‘”, while another exclaimed, “Oh wait it actually looks like her.” Another reaction was, “WOW, just WOW! Twins [sic]?”
One user was adamant that it was the singer, “This is Lady Gaga at the Tokyo Olympics and no one can convince me otherwise [sic].“
The resemblance is truly astounding, and you have to wonder why so many people have doppelgängers, even when they’re born in completely different countries and years apart. Let’s discover the next Olympic star who may look like… wait, no. You tell us!
Julyana Al-Sadeq of Jordan celebrates her win in the final against Aleksandra Perisic (Blue) of Serbia in the Female -67kg category at Manchester Regional Arena on December 03, 2023 in Manchester, England | Source: Getty Images
Andy Murray
This Scottish tennis star left an indelible mark on the sport in 2013 as the first British male in 77 years to win Wimbledon. Now, as he approaches the twilight of his illustrious career, Murray has announced that the Olympics in Paris will be his final competitive event.
Andy Murray during a skit on September 11, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Born on May 15, 1987, in Glasgow, Scotland, the athlete turned professional in 2005 and quickly ascended the ranks of international tennis. His career has been studded with remarkable achievements, including three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals.
However, Murray’s rise to the top wasn’t without its challenges, but his perseverance and skill saw him defeating top-ranked players like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal early in his career.
Andy Murray celebrates a point against Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the Semifinal of Men’s Singles Tennis on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Wimbledon on August 3, 2012 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
The year 2012 marked a turning point for the tennis star. He reached the Wimbledon final and clinched an Olympic gold medal in London, following it up with his first Grand Slam title at the US Open. His success continued with the aforementioned historic Wimbledon victory in 2013.
Murray’s stellar performance culminated in him becoming the world’s No. 1 ranked player in November 2016. However, a challenge emerged in 2017 when he began struggling with a persistent hip injury.
Andy Murray poses on the eighth hole green during the second round of The Barclays at Ridgewood Country Club on August 22, 2014 in Paramus, New Jersey | Source: Getty Images
This led to surgery in early 2019, and at one point, Murray contemplated retirement. But true to his fighting spirit, he made a comeback to professional tennis in June 2019 and even won the European Open in Antwerp that October.
Despite other setbacks, including withdrawing from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to a quad strain, Murray continued to compete at the highest level. In 2022, he reached the final of the Sydney Tennis Classic and achieved the milestone of winning his 700th career match.
The following year saw him clinching smaller tournaments in France and Great Britain and reaching the final in Doha. Finally, on July 23, 2024, Murray announced that Paris would be his last tennis tournament.
“Arrived in Paris for my last ever tennis tournament. Competing for [Team Great Britain] have been by far the most memorable weeks of my career,” he wrote on Instagram. And you may have already guessed his celebrity lookalike. No?
It’s Andrew Garfield! Naturally, fans have commented about it for years. One user humorously noted, “I’ve never seen Andy Murray and Andrew Garfield in the same place at the same time,” while someone questioned, “Why does Andy Murray’s Olympics mugshot look like Andrew Garfield?“
Andy Murray before the start of the 2024 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 5, 2024 in Indian Wells, California | Andrew Garfield attends the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 8th annual Governors Awards on November 12, 2016 in California | Source: Getty Images
Another X user wrote, “Andy Murray got the Andrew Garfield look now.” Some even see the potential for a future movie. “One day Andrew Garfield will be playing Andy Murray’s biopic and I think we all deserve that,” one user wrote.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to have the “Amazing Spider-Man” actor playing Murray in a biopic? Now, let’s move on to another female athlete, who looks like someone known for judging other idols.
Tessa Virtue
This famous ice dancer was born in London, Ontario, Canada on May 17, 1989. She and her partner Scott Moir are renowned in the world of figure skating.
Their career together began when they were just children, paired up by Moir’s aunt, who saw potential in the two similarly small, athletic kids.
Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada pose for photographers after winning the Ice Dance Competition during the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships at World Arena on February 12, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado | Source: Getty Images
Virtue and Moir’s partnership on the ice quickly blossomed, and their commitment to the craft led them to move to Kitchener at a young age. Later, they settled in a suburb of Detroit to train with famous coaches Marina Zoueva and Igor Shpilband.
The duo’s ascent in the world of ice dancing was meteoric afterward. In 2004, they clinched the Canadian Junior National Championship, followed by the World Junior Championship in 2006. Their senior international debut came in the 2006-2007 skating season.
Tessa Virtue arrives on the red carpet at the 2019 Juno Awards at London Convention Centre on March 17, 2019 in London, Canada | Source: Getty Images
But that was only the beginning of a remarkable career. Virtue and Moir’s crowning achievement came at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. In front of a home crowd, they captured the ice dancing gold medal and became the first North Americans and the youngest winners in the event’s Olympic history.
Their winning free-dance routine included their signature move, “the goose,” a daring maneuver that pushed the boundaries of ice dancing’s rigid technical standards.
Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir react following the ice dance free dance of the figure skating event during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Gangneung Ice Arena in Gangneung on February 20, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
The pair continued to excel in the next few years. They claimed silver medals at the 2011 World Championships and the 2014 Sochi Olympics. In 2018, they made a triumphant return to the Olympic stage at the Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, where they won gold.
And who does this beautiful athlete look like… of course, it’s Katy Perry! Even Virtue herself has noticed the resemblance. In 2014, she tweeted, “About 22 people have told me I look like Katy Perry this week. Perhaps I should stop wearing my candy bra that shoots fireworks?”
Tessa Virtue after winning the Ice Dance Competition during the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships at World Arena on February 12, 2012 in Colorado | Katy Perry attends a post concert party at The Griffin on July 28, 2009 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
In 2018, Journalist Jacob Bernstein wrote, “So I totally saw Tessa Virtue on the ice tonight and was like ‘Wait, Katy Perry became a figure skater?!? That makes so much sense [sic].‘”
The similarity is so strong that some fans can’t tell the difference. One wrote, “Tessa Virtue looks like Katy Perry and I can’t unsee it [sic].“
Let’s get to the final athlete, one of the biggest stars in the world of swimming. But who does he look like? Hint: someone who had to remain quiet.
Michael Phelps
This professional swimmer was born on June 30, 1985, in Baltimore, and is widely regarded as the greatest Olympian of all time. His unprecedented success in the pool has set records that seem almost untouchable.
Michael Phelps attends the 2017 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards at Pauley Pavilion on July 13, 2017 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Phelps’ career in swimming began at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club, where he honed his skills under the guidance of his mother, Deborah, alongside his sisters Hilary and Whitney. His talent was evident from an early age, and he quickly rose through the ranks of the competitive sport.
The number of achievements associated with his Olympic career is staggering. He has amassed a total of 28 medals, including an unparalleled 23 gold medals. This tally is more than double that of his nearest rivals. What’s more, no other swimmer worldwide, apart from a select few like Mark Spitz and Jenny Thompson, has managed to win more than six gold medals in total.
At the 2004 Athens Games, he tied the record, held by gymnast Alexander Dityatin, for most medals at a single Olympics with eight. Four years later, at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he surpassed Mark Spitz’s 1972 record by winning an incredible eight gold medals in a single tournament.
His success continued in London 2012 and Rio 2016, where he added to his medal tally, making him the most successful athlete of the Games for four consecutive Olympics.
Michael Phelps poses for a photo during Leesa’s Night of Dreams Party with Michael Phelps at West Elm on November 15, 2017 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Furthermore, Phelps has been a dominant force in other international competitions. He has won 82 medals in major international long course events, including 65 gold, 14 silver, and three bronze across the Olympics, World Championships, and Pan Pacific Championships.
His performances have earned him numerous accolades aside from medals, including eight World Swimmer of the Year Awards and eleven American Swimmer of the Year Awards.
However, Phelps isn’t just an athlete. After the 2008 Olympics, he established the Michael Phelps Foundation, to promote healthier lifestyles and grow the sport of swimming.
Throughout his career, he has lived by the philosophy that anyone can achieve their goals. As he once said, “You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get.”
Former Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps during an interview at ITC Maurya Hotel on March 26, 2019 in New Delhi, India | Source: Getty Images
And now on to the good part… You probably guessed it already! Phelps looks like actor John Krasinski! Fans have noticed their resemblance for years because they both rose to stardom in the 2000s! One user humorously noted, “Michael Phelps looks like John Krasinski in a light font.”
Just like Murray, this comparison has even sparked discussions about potential future projects. Someone suggested, “Not sure if this has been said before but John Krasinski should definitely play Michael Phelps in his biopic.”
John Krasinski attends the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 6, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California | Michael Phelps attends the 2017 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards at Pauley Pavilion on July 13, 2017 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
What did you think about these athletes’ resemblance to Hollywood stars? Are people exaggerating, or do you see it? It truly makes you wonder about biology and how two people separated by space and time can be so alike.
Enjoy the Olympic Games in Paris and tell us what other athletes look like celebrities!