If it's the US where she's not a celebrity, it's quite simple for the vast majority of people. The vast majority of people are not going to be trying to pick her up as they are either female, married or too old/young, so you say something like this.
"Wow. It's not every day that I get the honor or sitting next to an Olympic gold medallist. Congratulations. Keep up the good work.
"I know there is a lot of pressure at times but it drives me nuts how so many other top female sports stars view seem to view their gift as a burden. What an amazing opportunity. I really love how you seem to enjoy it."
A while back a friend was telling a mutual friend and me that he couldn't believe how easy it was for us to talk to women. He was always nervous.
We said- it's because we're not hitting on them. We have no expectations beyond the present conversation. Sometimes it turns into more (and I'm not talking one night stands, I don't do those).
