Bohemians and outsiders have long fascinated the media and the general public because they challenge conventional lifestyles and societal norms. This fascination extends to sport, where narratives about such figures appear in both historical and contemporary media. By analysing the media’s framing of cross-country skier Lars Theodor Jonsson (1903–1998) and speed skater Nils van der Poel (1996–), this essay identifies two distinct ideal types: the ‘idealistic bohemian’ of modern society and the ‘rational outsider’ of postmodern society. Through an examination of these athletes’ careers, public personae, and lifestyle choices as represented in the media, the essay sheds light on how sporting hero narratives evolve in relation to broader social and cultural changes.