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Nicole Shanahan, the tech entrepreneur-philanthropist, recently made news for variegated reasons, among which is making a brief clip of herself practicing golfing swings with an ambitious plan: to convert a golf date with the President of the United States into a conversation about mitochondrial health. The very short clip would show Shanahan getting in some practice swings chastely commenting, “You gotta get where the ball goes to. I’m gonna do two. Yes.”
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The tweet produced with it divulges the very reason golfing: “Been working on my golf game: in the off chance I can get in a game with @POTUS and share with him the importance of saving mitochondrial health.” The sporty-looking Shanahan is practicing her swings at what looks like a driving range, exhibiting perfect form for a beginner to the game.
Mitochondrial health is one of the particular issues that Shanahan took to her heart. As founder of the Bia-Echo Foundation, she has focused largely upon longevity science research and reproductive rights. Cellular health interest seems to serve as the backdrop for this somewhat unorthodox form of politics-by-golf.
The post generated huge engagement, with some commenting on the golf and others on politics: “It’s a great game. You can play with family, friends, business partners on and on.” One unsolicited golf swing critique was, “Driver looks too long for you, but you got a good swing,” while another one added, “Hold your tongue right.”
Some of the comments also engaged with her mitochondrial health proposal. One asked for specific research: “Have you looked at the research around mitochondria and Urolithin A?” Another were sarcastic: “Stop the chemtrails! Save our mitochondrial health!”
The post didn’t lose any political color. “Nicole, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with Trump is infinitely more important and valuable!” one said while another said, “You should have DJT’s ear for all you did to promote him up with Libertarian/Independents.”
Other respondents were skeptical about the feasibility of her plan. “Isn’t it nice to be wealthy,” going on to lambaste the “pollution of privilege” in using golf as a channel of political access. Another washed away the bubble of competition with: “Just don’t beat him,” suspicious that to actually beat the President in his own game might not bode well politically.
Things started to turn sideways when one respondent linked mitochondrial health to lab-grown meat aversion, posting a lengthy tirade over “salmon cancer meat” being rubber-stamped by the FDA. The tangent, though divergent from golf, mirrors a bigger-scale health concern that has been rallying some of Shanahan’s supporters.
On a lighter note, several commenters pledged to help make the presidential golf date happen: “Use Bobby to set you up with POTUS. Should be an easy win for you,” said one, while another commented, “Maybe @brysondech could give you a few tips!” in reference to professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau.
The range of replies illustrates how Shanahan’s post accidentally became intertwined with several modern discourses-from health and wellness to political access to Washington culture. This strangely alliterative way of policy advocacy through sport is an example of the new ways in which modern politicized actors find to link with policy makers and their clientele.
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Whether Shanahan will be able to work on her golf game well-enough to see that round through with the President as the elections march through 2024 is still a question; though in some circles, her inevitable discussions of mitochondrial health have already begun-amongst golfers, health researchers, and political commentators alike. Whether on the course or hallways of politics, Shanahan wants to lend a hand in furthering this conversation herself.
This story originally appeared on Celebrityinsider
