The summer of 2021 was packed with sporting action. From the Euros and Wimbledon to the Tokyo Olympics, there was no shortage of memorable moments for fans and athletes alike. But for those unforgettable moments to happen, professional athletes need to be in peak condition – with their eyes firmly on the prize. And for some, that means a boost in performance with the help of contact lenses.
From Olympic rowers and athletics stars to some of the highest-paid footballers on the planet, here are five athletes who wear contact lenses and how their lenses help them stay at the top of their game.
David De Gea
The key to saving penalty kicks is having a clear view of the striker’s first step and body movements. So when he was diagnosed with long-sightedness, goalkeeper David De Gea turned to contact lenses to keep his condition in check. The Manchester United and Spanish international relies on daily disposable lenses to have a clear view of the whole pitch – and the confidence to keep his eye on the ball and out of the net.
Katarina Johnson-Thompson
Katarina Johnson-Thompson’s Olympic vision is to go for gold – and to get to the podium, she relies on contact lenses. The world champion British heptathlete prefers daily lenses for a clear view of the finish line, as they allow her to compete in more demanding events like the high jump and hurdles without the restriction of glasses. Known as KJT, Katarina has said: “I definitely couldn’t be a heptathlete without my contact lenses. They let me perform, they let me be free, they just let me be myself.”
Novak Djokovic
Novak means business when it comes to serving up crystal-clear tennis vision. The world number one can credit his 20 Grand Slam victories in part to the 20/20 vision his contact lenses provide. When they caused a brief stoppage during the Australian Open, the world learned that lenses are considered “necessary equipment” under tennis regulations. A minor setback aside, Novak would no doubt agree that his contact lenses have been essential to becoming one of the greatest players of all time.
Kathrin Marchand
Olympic rower Kathrin Marchand has been wearing contact lenses since 2012, when she represented the German national women’s rowing team at the London and Rio summer games. While preparing for the Olympics, Marchand was training twice a day whilst also studying medicine. To keep up with her packed schedule, she found that wearing comfortable contact lenses not only helped correct her short-sightedness, but also prevented water from splashing onto her glasses and slowing her down. “Today I’m an enthusiastic and consistent contact lens wearer,” says Kathrin, who continues to wear lenses to this day.
Mario Balotelli
Known for his style both on and off the pitch, “Super Mario” also likes to keep his eyes sharp with contact lenses. The famous Italian footballer, who has played for clubs across Europe, used to wear corrective lenses for his short-sightedness, but later underwent laser eye surgery for a more permanent fix. Although he no longer needs them for vision correction, Mario still wears contact lenses as a bold fashion statement – opting mainly for striking bright blue coloured lenses.
Why athletes choose contact lenses for sport
Contact lenses offer a freedom and comfort that glasses often can’t match when you’re competing on the field, track, or court. Here’s a quick rundown of the advantages that lead many athletes to choose contact lenses for sport:
- More stable vision
- No fogging up or water splashing on lenses
- Better peripheral vision
- Compatible with other sports equipment (helmets, goggles, sunglasses)
- Safer, with less risk of injury
- Won’t slip down your face or fall off
- UV protection during outdoor events
- All-day comfort
While proper training and nutrition are important factors in performance, having crystal-clear vision is essential for any athlete who wants to stay competitive. Contact lenses are the perfect solution for any sports person who needs full, clear vision without frames restricting their field of view or sliding down their face at the crucial moment.
To guide your vision towards victory, explore our wide range of daily contact lenses suited to your lifestyle.