Olympians going for gold juggle day jobs to bring in some green

February 20, 2026

TL;DR

Many U.S. Olympians hold full-time jobs to support their athletic training and competition costs.
Athletes' professions range from attorneys and dentists to realtors and baristas.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) does not award prize money to Olympians, though national Olympic bodies offer bonuses.
Some athletes sell merchandise or rely on personal sponsorships to cover expenses not covered by their governing bodies.
There is a significant financial disparity between top-earning Olympians with lucrative sponsorships and the majority of athletes who struggle financially.

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