Olympic Obsession: Meet the Superfan Who Spent Her Life Savings to Attend Her 7th Games

PARIS, France — Vivianne Robinson, adorned with pins and decorations, has become an unmissable figure in the bustling streets of Paris.

Known as an Olympics superfan, Robinson has attended seven Summer Games across four decades. Her latest trip to Paris, however, came at a significant cost — $10,000.

The 66-year-old Los Angeles native maxed out her credit cards and juggled two jobs to finance her passion. By day, she personalized rice necklaces on Venice Beach, and by night, she bagged groceries. Despite the financial strain, Robinson says it’s worth every penny.

“It was hard to save up and it’s a big budget, but it’s a thousand times worth it,” she stated.

Even with her preparations, she experienced disappointment, such as spending $1,600 on the opening ceremony only to watch it from a screen on a bridge. “It’s hard-earned money,” she said, but she remains optimistic, adding, “You win some, you lose some, but life goes on.”

During the interview, a passerby suggested Robinson crowdsource funds to fuel her Olympic journey. She declined, confident in her ability to earn the money herself.

Robinson’s Olympic journey began in 1984, influenced by her mother who worked as a translator for athletes in Los Angeles. Her mother brought home athlete pins, sparking Robinson’s enthusiasm for pin collecting.

She has traveled to numerous Games since: Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, London 2012, and Rio 2016. Although she secured a visa for Beijing 2008, she couldn’t afford the trip. Similarly, she had to refund her Tokyo tickets as COVID-19 canceled spectator attendance.

Robinson’s attire has evolved over time. Her Paris outfit, a year’s work, features hundreds of adornments including Eiffel Tower ornaments on her hat and Olympic ring earrings. The elaborate attire draws constant attention, making simple tasks lengthy.

“It is a little bit overwhelming. I can’t really get anywhere because everybody stops me for pictures,” she said, but she continues with a smile.

As she rubs shoulders with celebrities like Tom Cruise, Lady Gaga, and Snoop Dogg at events, Robinson relishes the attention but remains focused on her next endeavor: the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games.

“Oh, I’m going to do it forever. I’m going to save all my money and just concentrate on Olympics,” she concluded.