Financial Realities of Athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics

As athletes prepare for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, many face the challenge of balancing elite training with full-time jobs. Despite the prestige of competing at the Olympics, financial compensation for athletes remains inconsistent. While some top athletes, like American snowboarder Chloe Kim, earn millions from endorsements, the majority of competitors rely on secondary employment to support their Olympic aspirations. For instance, American curler Korey Dropkin works as a realtor, while his mixed doubles partner, Cory Thiesse, is employed as a wastewater tester. Thiesse expressed gratitude for her job, stating, "I feel grateful that I have a job that pays the bills while I go compete in curling."

The financial landscape for Olympic athletes varies significantly. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) noted that a substantial number of Winter Olympic athletes balance their sports careers with professional pursuits. For example, Tara Peterson, a U.S. Olympic curler, practices dentistry, while Mexico's Regina Martínez, the first Olympic cross-country skier from her country, works as an emergency room doctor in Miami. This trend highlights the necessity for many athletes to maintain employment to cover training and competition expenses.

While athletes can receive cash bonuses from their national Olympic committees for medal achievements—$37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze in the U.S.—these amounts are not sufficient for many. Ross Stevens, CEO of Stone Ridge Holdings Group, announced a pledge to provide U.S. Olympians with $200,000 in financial benefits for each Olympics they compete in, aiming to alleviate financial insecurity among elite athletes. Stevens stated, "I do not believe that financial insecurity should stop our nation's elite athletes from breaking through to new frontiers of excellence."

Athletes often face significant out-of-pocket expenses. U.S. alpine ski racer Keely Cashman, who works as a barista, noted that while her training costs are partially covered, she still incurs expenses for her personal coach during competitions. She emphasized the financial strain, saying, "If you're skiing fast and having great results, it's good, but if you're not skiing fast, you can be making absolutely no money." This sentiment reflects the precarious financial situation many athletes find themselves in as they pursue their Olympic dreams.

Critics argue that the financial support provided to athletes is insufficient and highlights a broader issue within the Olympic system. Many athletes, especially those in less commercially popular sports, struggle to secure funding and sponsorships. The disparity in earnings between elite athletes and their less recognized counterparts raises questions about the sustainability of pursuing sports at such a high level.

As athletes approach the end of their competitive careers, often in their mid-20s to early 30s, they face the daunting reality of limited financial savings. The support initiatives, such as those proposed by Stevens, aim to provide a safety net for these athletes, allowing them to transition into post-athletic careers. However, the ongoing financial challenges underscore the need for systemic changes to better support Olympic athletes throughout their careers.