Athlete Visibility and Social Media

In the world of athletics today, performance alone no longer determines recognition— it also depends on visibility and how it’s managed. In today’s digital age, it is easier than ever to get recognized through social media platforms.  These opportunities are possible through utilizing and consistently engaging in these social media platforms. Athletes are no longer limited to being recognized by in-person performances and because of this they can showcase their talent to a much broader audience.  

As a national level high jumper, I have noticed a significant gap between performance and visibility, where some very talented athletes are not seen because they have no social media presence. On the contrary, I have also seen athletes with average performances gain substantial recognition through social media just because they are actively involved and sharing their experiences. That’s when I started to understand that performance alone isn’t what drives attention anymore. An effort to make yourself visible plays a role in how athletes are perceived, followed, and remembered.

Jaiden Peraza, photo by MSUM Go Team

If an athlete’s results aren’t being seen regularly, there are opportunities for genuine growth, recognition, and potentially even roster spots that can be left unrecognized. I also saw this shift in my own athletic career. When I started consistently sharing my track experiences on social media, more people started paying attention. I even had people I didn’t know approach me and comment on my season based on what they have seen online.  The difference wasn’t a sudden jump in performance, but an increase in consistency and visibility through an intentionally built social media presence. 

Overall, the relationship between performance and recognition in athletics has shifted. Even though performance and training for athletes are essential, social media has provided a way for athletes to control how their work is seen. By sharing content, athletes can build a recognizable performance that others can follow.  As a result, athletes who actively manage their visibility are more likely to be recognized, regardless of their performance level.

@jaidenjumps