Allison Stokke: A Story of Resilience and Triumph in the World of Sports


Allison Stokke is a talented pole vaulter and sports model who gained unexpected fame in her teenage years due to a viral photograph. While her rise to prominence was fraught with challenges, Stokke has since harnessed her fame to build a successful career in sports and fitness. In this article, we delve into the life of Allison Stokke, her journey as an athlete, and her achievements in the world of sports and fitness.

Early Life and Education

Allison Stokke was born in Newport Beach, California, on March 22, 1989. She grew up in an athletic family, with her older brother David Stokke, a national-level youth gymnast. Encouraged by her family, Allison developed an early interest in sports and began practicing gymnastics, eventually finding her passion for pole vaulting.

Allison attended Newport Harbor High School, where she excelled as a pole vaulter. In 2004, she broke the American record for a high school freshman, and in 2005, she set a new national high school sophomore record. Stokke continued her pole vaulting career at the University of California, Berkeley, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology.

Unexpected Fame and Challenges

In 2007, a photograph of then-17-year-old Allison Stokke preparing for a pole vaulting event went viral, attracting widespread attention and objectification. This unsolicited fame led to numerous challenges for Allison as she tried to focus on her athletic career amidst the unwanted attention and scrutiny.

Pole Vaulting Career and Modeling

Despite her challenges, Allison Stokke persevered in her pole vaulting career. She became a prominent college-level athlete, competing in multiple NCAA Division I Championships while attending UC Berkeley. Post-college, Stokke continued to compete professionally, participating in events such as the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials and the 2016 Chula Vista OTC High-Performance Meet.

In addition to her athletic pursuits, Stokke has built a successful career as a sports model and fitness influencer. She has collaborated with significant sportswear brands like Nike, Athleta, and Uniqlo, and has been featured in various sports and fitness publications.

Personal Life

Allison Stokke is married to professional golfer Rickie Fowler. The couple, who began dating in 2017, got engaged in 2018 and were married in October 2019. Stokke and Fowler share a deep passion for sports and often support each other in their athletic endeavors.

Allison Stokke’s journey from an unexpected internet sensation to a successful pole vaulter and sports model is a testament to her resilience, determination, and passion for her craft. Despite facing numerous challenges in her career, Stokke has managed to channel her fame into a successful and inspiring life in the world of sports and fitness.