Mya Lesnar, daughter of Brock Lesnar and a rising star in shot put, recently drew attention to the plight of an unsigned athlete through a heartfelt social media appeal. She shared the story of Jorden van Klinken, a 25-year-old discus thrower from the Netherlands, who despite impressive achievements has yet to secure a major sponsorship deal.
Van Klinken, currently ranked third in the world, expressed her frustration in a video posted on Mya Lesnar’s Instagram. She revealed that no professional contracts have come her way despite her high standing and dedication to the sport, highlighting the challenges some elite athletes face in gaining financial support.
Mya Lesnar reposted the video on her Instagram story, using frustrated emojis to underline the ongoing struggle for recognition that Van Klinken experiences. This act brought wider attention to the Dutch record holder for the women’s discus throw, whose best distance stands at 70.22 meters.
Jorden van Klinken’s Remarkable Career and Olympic Performance
Jorden van Klinken holds the Dutch national record in the women’s discus throw and made a strong showing at the Paris Olympics, where she qualified for the finals and finished seventh overall. Despite these achievements, her lack of sponsorship opportunities illustrates the financial difficulties many athletes face even at the world-class level.
Van Klinken’s dedication to the discipline keeps her hopeful for future support and contracts, which would allow her to focus fully on her sport.
Mya Lesnar’s Own Athletic Recognition and Support for Peers
Mya Lesnar has also been recognized for her accomplishments, having won NCAA Indoor and Outdoor titles in women’s shot put while competing for the Colorado State Rams. Her alma mater honored her by including her in the 2025 Walk of Champions, a testament to her impact on the collegiate athletics scene.
More recently, Lesnar was named among 100 athletes receiving the US Track and Field Foundation’s 2025 Stephen A. Schwarzman Grant Award. This grant aims to support athletes preparing for the World Athletics Championships and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Lesnar is part of the group receiving $35,000, while others among the 65 athletes will receive $40,000 each.
Sharing the news on social media, Mya Lesnar expressed her excitement, reflecting her passion for supporting fellow athletes during uncertain times.
The Wider Impact of Sponsorship Challenges in Athletics
The case highlighted by Mya Lesnar emphasizes the complex reality many talented athletes encounter when attempting to secure sponsorships. Despite top-tier performances and international rankings, financial backing remains elusive for some, which can hinder their ability to train and compete at the highest levels.
Lesnar’s public support for Jorden van Klinken not only raises awareness but also pressures sponsors and organizations to reconsider how emerging and unsigned athletes are supported ahead of major global events like the upcoming World Athletics Championships and Olympics.
