Who is Alexis Ohanian, Serena Williams¡¯ husband mistaken for ¡®umbrella holder¡¯ at Olympic opening ceremony?
During the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony on Friday, Alexis Ohanian, the husband of tennis legend Serena Williams, found himself humorously mistaken for an ¡°umbrella holder¡± by a European Olympics commentator. The confusion arose as the couple graced the red carpet amidst a sudden downpour, with Ohanian gallantly holding an umbrella over Williams¡¯ head.
As the commentator observed, ¡°Those are the levels you aspire to, to have an actual umbrella holder behind you.¡±
A family affair
Williams, 42, and Ohanian, despite her not competing, decided to enjoy the French festivities along with their 6-year-old daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. During another interview with Kit Hoover of ¡°Access Hollywood,¡± the family appeared together. Williams spoke fondly of her husband, who had been seen capturing photos of her for social media.
¡°The greatest investor ever, the greatest Instagram husband ever, greatest husband ever,¡± Williams said.
Alexis Ohanian¡¯s roots and achievements
Ohanian was born in Brooklyn, New York, and has Armenian roots, as noted by Aurora Prize. Reflecting on his heritage, he shared with ABC News, ¡°I ended up being born in Brooklyn, but I could¡¯ve been born in Yerevan, or probably somewhere in Western Armenia. I want my knowledge to help as many people as possible, but especially my fellow Armenians.¡±
Reddit co-founder
At just 22, Ohanian co-founded Reddit with his friend Steve Huffman. In 2006, they sold the platform for at least $10 million. Ohanian returned to Reddit in 2014 as an executive chairman. Today, Reddit is the ninth most visited website in the US and the sixth globally, valued at $6.5 billion as of 2024, according to Fortune.
Beyond Reddit, Ohanian co-founded Initialized Capital, a venture capital firm managing $3.2 billion in assets. In 2021, he founded another venture capital firm, Seven Seven Six, which has invested significantly in women¡¯s sports, including a women-only track event called the 776 Invitational.
Meeting and marrying Serena Williams
Ohanian and Williams first met in 2015 at the Rome Cavalieri Hotel, home to Rome¡¯s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant. Their first date took place in Paris a month later. Following that date, Williams won the French Open, securing her 20th grand slam.
The couple tied the knot in a luxurious wedding in Louisiana in November 2017, a month after their daughter Olympia was born. Williams wore $3.5 million worth of jewellery and changed designer dresses three times. Their star-studded guest list included Beyonc¨¦, Kelly Rowland, and Kim Kardashian.
Also Read:?Paris Olympics 2024: Oops! The Olympic flag was raised upside down at opening ceremony
The couple has two daughters, Olympia, born on September 1, 2017, and Adira River Ohanian, born last August, as noted by People.
Honouring a legendary career
Also Read:?Paris Olympics 2024: These are the biggest upsets in Olympics history
To honour Williams¡¯ illustrious career, she had the privilege of carrying the Olympic flame during the torch relay alongside Rafael Nadal. Together, they boast 45 grand slams and had the unique experience of sailing away from the Eiffel Tower with the lit flame.
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