Track and field fans await with bated breath as Track Town, USA, prepares to ignite with Olympic fervor, ready to name the Paris 2024 Olympians on Team USA. The field is lining up with American icons like Sha’Carri Richardson, Noah Lyles, Christian Coleman, Kenny Bednarek, and countless others, all set to blaze up Hayward Field in Eugene from June 21 to June 30.

But there’s a hefty price tag attached to these Olympic dreams that’s hitting hard, not just for the athletes but for the fans and veterans of the sport too. The legendary Carl Lewis, a 9x Olympic gold medalist, recently called out the sky-high costs of attending

Even Carl Lewis is feeling the wallet squeeze for the 2024 US Olympic Track & Field trials

Just hours ahead of the 2024 US Olympic Track & Field trials, the legendary Carl Lewis took to X to share two eye-popping screenshots of hotel prices in Eugene for June 21–24. One showed the Residence Inn Eugene Springfield, with amenities like full kitchens and separate living areas, costing a whopping $563 per night with taxes and fees. The other screenshot was of the Fairfield Inn & Suites Eugene East/Springfield, where a night costs $450 and includes perks like complimentary breakfast and a fitness center.

Pointing out these exorbitant prices, Carl Lewis simply wrote, “I’m just saying.” His post instantly sparked a wave of shocked reactions from fans, many of whom are also shelling out their hard-earned dollars to see their favorite stars compete. This post by the legend also adds to the worries athletes already face, as many have previously shared how these costs hit them hard.

The financial challenges athletes face in pursuit of their dreams

Last month, Kenny Bednarek took to X on May 17, 2024, to shine a light on the financial strain athletes are facing as they gear up for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. He wrote, “The cost to fly and accommodate my team at the trials and Olympics is pretty wild. Prices are jacked up.” Noah Lyles empathetically responded, “It’s hard for all of us, man,” to which Bednarek added, “It’s crazy because that’s when we need our entire support system the most.”

Eugene poses logistical challenges with its two-hour drive from Portland and limited direct flights. For Bednarek, flying from Wisconsin to Oregon costs nearly $400, plus additional expenses for road travel, while accommodations can soar above $200 per night. Noah Lyles faces similar financial hurdles, with a flight from Florida to Eugene setting him back about $300, pushing total costs per person well into the $1,000–$1,500 range. These concerns are not new.

Ahead of the 2023 National Championships as well, Kenny Bednarek voiced his frustrations on Twitter about skyrocketing prices for hotels, car rentals, Airbnbs, and flights to Eugene. Kenny said, “Flying my team down is a very expensive affair out of pocket.” Meanwhile, unsponsored athlete Alaysha Johnson stressed the importance of central and affordable accommodations for athletes of all levels. She said, “If they have the standard, they should be able to come and not worry about being in debt.”

Even Olympic long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall, from Fayetteville, Arkansas, highlighted the steep minimum airfare starting at $1,200, while Janee Kassanavoid estimated a staggering $3,200 to cover expenses for one person competing in the hammer throw. This year, the USATF has allocated $2,100 for travel expenses to the top athletes in each event at the 2024 Track and Field trials, including defending champions and the top performers in specific categories like sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws, and more.

Athletes must meet deadlines and qualify to receive this funding, which is reported as taxable income. However, it’s crucial to note that these funds do not cover expenses for coaches, support staff, or family members. Reflecting on Carl Lewis’ statement, these high prices just add more stress for athletes, especially those who aren’t backed by sponsors. Even veteran athletes like him feel the pinch. And it’s not just the track stars—fans, pundits, and spectators are also feeling the wallet hit. What do you think about this issue highlighted by Carl Lewis? Share your thoughts below!