Home/Tennis

via Getty

via Getty

0
  Debate

Debate

Can humor and honesty about personal struggles make Alexis Ohanian a role model for dads?

Alexis Ohanian is at it again—capturing hearts and headlines with his candid and lighthearted remarks! Known not just as Serena Williams‘ husband but as a passionate advocate for women’s sports, especially track and field, Ohanian’s devotion to his daughters is just as evident. Recently, at the Athlos NYC event, it wasn’t just his love for sports on display, but also the dad goals he continued to depict. As he reminisced about his time at the event with his daughter Olympia, Ohanian couldn’t help but poke fun at himself.

Ohanian and Olympia were seen spending some great time together at Athlos NYC, a novel women-only track and field event, which can be rightly termed as the brainchild of Ohanian. The 7-year-old, in fact, accompanied Ohanian during his interview sessions on certain occasions, besides enjoying the competitions from the stands. The Reddit co-founder, now engaged in an interaction alongside American Track and Field athlete Justin Gatlin, recalled some moments from the event. He also opened up about his own fitness levels and indirectly made a wish for his daughters.

When quizzed about his personal best in the 100m sprint, Ohanian responded in complete shock. “Are you kidding me? Did you see me walking in here? Big Fella doesn’t sprint. The only time I ran was high school football as a punishment. There is no scenario where I come out good in that,” Ohanian said playfully. Continuing further, he expressed his desire to shield his daughters from the woes of watching him embarrass himself. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

A 41-year-old out-of-shape dad sprinting 100m, no one wants that. I gotta think of the legacy I leave behind for my little girls. And I don’t know if they need to see that on tape,” he added. For the unversed, Ohanian announced the initiative to promote women’s sports in April this year and revealed that his venture, Seven Seven Six, would invest directly in the event. But his latest statements reflect that his own participation in sport is not great enough to inspire others. Interestingly, this is not the first time that Ohanian has turned into a self-critic. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Justin Gatlin (@justingatlin)

When a picture of Olympia running on the track and field court was shared on her Instagram account, fans witnessed the humorous side of the ‘Business Dad.’ Responding to the post, a user weighed in to sing praises for the kid and her mother, Serena Williams, and wrote, “She definitely has an athletic physique like her mama. ❤️👸🏻.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Ohanian quickly joined this conversation and wrote, “Thankfully 😂,” signifying that he wishes his daughters to follow in the footsteps of their mother, at least when it comes to sports. These remarks also highlight Ohanian’s love for his daughters, who desire only the best when it comes to their future, and this love has come into the spotlight time and again.  

What’s your perspective on:

Can humor and honesty about personal struggles make Alexis Ohanian a role model for dads?

Have an interesting take?

When Alexis Ohanian called his daughter the best ‘little human’

Alexis Ohanian is known for his immense affection for his family. The business mogul is often seen engaging in leisure time with his daughter Olympia, either by visiting her favorite place or baking her favorite pancakes. The affection again took the spotlight during an interview at Athlos NYC, where the business dad could not help but sing praises for his daughter and, of course, his wife Serena Williams. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

When quizzed about Olympia’s personality, Ohanian went in all around praises. “Olympia is easily the most amazing little human I have met and she’s a great big sister,” he said. Ohanian and Williams are blessed with two daughters. While their elder daughter Olympia was born in 2017, the younger Adira was welcomed by the couple in 2023. But besides, Olympia, Ohanian also ensured to heap praises on his wife and tennis great, Serena Williams. 

The one credit that I gotta give, Serena is an amazing mom and one of the things we do is just really prioritize, just trying to show up for our kids, and it’s a great way to say take your daughter to work,” he added. For now, it would be interesting to see if Ohanian comes up with more such initiatives for female athletes and if he is seen enjoying similarly unique times with his daughter again.

Have something to say?

Let the world know your perspective.