As Athletes Suffer and Gymnastics Clubs Shut, Does Money Matter in Sports

The sport of gymnastics is exhilarating, garnering millions of fans worldwide. However, a pervasive challenge has recently plagued the sport at both the elite and grassroots levels. As the 2024 season commenced, the “Save Lindenwood Gymnastics” movement concluded in heartbreak as the university proceeded with the decision to cut 10 athletic programs, including the gymnastics program.

On the other hand, more sad news emerged when a user on X, known as “pommel horse stans,” brought the state of UCLA Club Gymnastics to light. Alongside these somber updates is the issue of low prize money affecting athletes like Simone Biles, which points to one common challenge: a lack of financial support. So let us explore the question: Does money matter in sports?

The lack of financial support highlighted in gymnastics

Gymnastics is undeniably beautiful, but it comes with a hefty price tag. This was recently pointed out when Josh Lim, an alum of UCLA, took to X and shared, “We annually fundraise to help send our gymnasts to competitions! If you are able to, any donations are incredibly appreciated!” In reply to this plea, another user, “pommel horse stans,” shared, “UCLA club Gymnastics was my favorite extracurricular i did as an undergrad but club sports get little to no university support so fundraising is crucial to growing the sport at the club/adult/community level. please consider donating :)”

And that’s not all. The upcoming 2024 NAIGC Nationals Gymnastics, scheduled for April 10–13, 2024, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, also poses a financial challenge for UCLA Club Gymnastics. On the UCLA Spark website, the team shared, “As a club sport, we receive very little money from UCLA,” and they mostly depend on the team members, who, along with managing their studies, hold jobs, and spend their nights training while also working toward raising funds. “That’s why we need your help! Please help us cover the cost of Nationals and return to competition, and consider donating to our campaign. “

Club gymnastics serves as a vital bridge between high school and elite-level competition, allowing athletes to continue pursuing their passion at the collegiate level. But unlike varsity sports, which receive substantial funding from universities, club sports, including gymnastics, rely heavily on student-initiated fundraising events. The call for donations highlighted the critical role external support plays, not just at the collegiate level but also at the elite level in the sport.

The financial disparities on a grassroot and elite level

Limited financial aid from universities places the burden on students to cover equipment, travel, and coaching expenses. Without adequate funding, clubs struggle to recruit and retain members, limiting the overall reach and impact of gymnastics. And the lack of funding does not just end at the collegiate level. In December 2023, “Top 15 Highest-Paid Female Athletes 2023 Earnings Breakdown” by Sportico highlighted Simone Biles’s prize money earnings in comparison to sports like tennis. While most athletes on the list seemed to earn a significant amount with their sports, Simone Biles, despite being the most accomplished gymnast globally, displayed a nearly $0 salary in prize money. On the other hand, athletes like Coco Gauff earned between $5 and $10 million in their prize purse alone.

Read more: “Our Mission Ends Here”: Lindenwood Gymnastics Program Cut Despite Multiple Honors in Heartbreaking Turn of Events

The comparison between the earnings of Biles and Gauff shed light on the financial disparities within sports, further emphasizing the need for increased support for gymnastics at all levels. In conclusion, the lack of financial support in club gymnastics, as highlighted by UCLA Club Gymnastics and echoed in elite gymnastics as well, calls for immediate action to foster the growth and sustainability of the sport. This is important for nurturing the next generation of gymnasts and the sport’s continued development. What are your thoughts on this? Feel free to comment below!

Watch this story:  “Beat You”: Gymnastics’ Emerging Sensation Challenges Simone Biles for the Lead.