At just 17, Allison Stokke’s life changed when a single photograph of her went viral—without her consent. Known for her talent in pole vaulting, Allison was suddenly thrust into an unwanted spotlight, objectified online, and reduced to a symbol that overshadowed her athletic achievements.
Born in Newport Beach, California, in 1989, Allison came from a family that valued sports. By 15, she had already claimed a national title and broken records despite injuries. But in 2007, a photo taken during a competition was reposted with a provocative caption, sparking an internet frenzy. Within days, tribute sites, invasive messages, and stalkers followed.
The incident forced Allison and her family into crisis mode. Her father, a lawyer, searched for legal recourse while Allison tried to stay focused on her sport. She later reflected, “I worked so hard for pole vaulting… and it’s almost like that doesn’t matter.”
Despite the attention, she earned a scholarship to UC Berkeley and competed in college, though she narrowly missed the 2012 Olympics. Later, she embraced modeling roles with Nike and GoPro, using her image on her own terms. In 2019, she married pro golfer Rickie Fowler, and they now share two daughters.
At 35, Allison uses her platform to advocate for girls in sports, raising awareness about the pressure and objectification female athletes face. With nearly 700,000 Instagram followers, she speaks openly about resilience, identity, and empowerment.
Allison Stokke is no longer defined by one photo—she’s defined by strength, advocacy, and persistence.