We’re about a year into our overflowing photo gallery of “You Loved Them Then! Where Are They Now?!” that features your favorite celebrities and their transitions through Hollywood. From Kid ‘n Play to Roxanne Shanté and the entire cast of Good Times, we’ve covered practically any Black star you could think of.
But in the spirit of the 2012 Summer Olympics, we’re switching things up! Check out this gallery of our 9 favorite athletes from Olympics past and find out what they’re up to now…
EARVIN ”MAGIC” JOHNSON
Gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games (national team)
Now…
Johnson’s done alright for himself.
In addition to being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002, he continues to be an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention, NBA broadcaster and philanthropist.
In March, Magic Johnson Group bought the L.A. Dodgers for a record $2 billion and launched his cable network ASPIRE in June.
LISA LESLIE
Gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games; gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games; gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games; gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games (national team)
Now…
After retiring in 2009, Leslie kept busy with various roles in television and film. But, more importantly, the 39-year-old former baller joined the Los Angeles Sparks ownership group.
MUHAMMAD ALI
Gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympic Games (light heavyweight)
Now…
Ali has received countless accolades and honors that include the Presidential Citizens Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom. His public battle with Parkinson’s syndrome has brought awareness to the disorder and in 1997 The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center (MAPC) opened its doors.
SUGAR RAY LEONARD
Gold medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games (light welterweight)
Now…
Since leaving the boxing ring, Leonard has had his hands in a little bit of everything. From sports analyst to actor, he keeps a presence on the big– and small– screen.
Fans of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars can remember Leonard from season 12 of the popular series.
DOMINIQUE DAWES
Bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games (team); bronze and gold medals at the 1996 Atlantic Olympic Games (floor/team); bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games (team)
Now…
From 2004 to 2006, Dawes served as the youngest President of the Women’s Sports Federation and was appointed to be co-chair of President Obama’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition in 2010. The Olympian also works as a motivational speaker and sports analyst.
MICHAEL JORDAN
Gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games; gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games (national team)
Now…
Jordan continues to bring in the BIG bucks with his partnership with Nike, among other brands, and is majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats.
He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
JACKIE JOYNER-KERSEE
Silver medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games (heptathlon); two gold medals at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games (heptathlon/long jump); gold and bronze medals at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games (heptathlon/long jump); bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games (long jump)
Now…
In 2000, the Joyner-Kersee Center opened in East St. Louis for after-school activities. It briefly closed its doors in 2009 due to funding, but reopened in 2011 with help from Nike, Anheuser-Busch and Monsanto.
CARL LEWIS
Four gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games (100m, 200m, 4×100 Relay, Long Jump); two gold medals at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games (100m, Long Jump) and silver medal (200m); two gold medals at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games (4×100 Relay, Long Jump)
Now…
In addition to becoming a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and a member of the Ronald McDonald House Charities board, Lewis has made several appearances in television and film.
MARION JONES
In October 2007, Jones surrendered three gold medals and two bronze medals from the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games due to her use of performance enhancing drugs.
Now…
After giving up her Olympic medals and serving six months in prison, Jones focused on being a wife and mother.
The 36-year-old track star also started the program “Take a Break” that encourages children and adults to pause and seek help before making decisions that could have life-altering consequences.
