Earning a decent living as a professional track and field star can be a difficult task, especially if you’re not one of the leading global superstars. As the Paris Olympics approach, many stars are once again confronted with the daunting task of funding their journeys, which is causing panic among the country’s athletes.

Even stars like Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek have previously come forward and claimed that bringing their families to the Paris Olympics will be a tough job. Keeping that in mind, it’s no wonder that the lesser-known sprinters will have to deal with more on their plates than these two national sensations. However, things might be even more grave than what meets the eye.

The Paris Olympics isn’t making the troubles go away

A recent CNN article has shed light on how the USA’s women’s water polo team took to social media to urge more fans to rally behind the squad ahead of the Paris Olympics. In the same article, the dire situation of track and field was also revealed to stun the community. Mark Conrad, a professor of law and ethics at Fordham University Gabelli School of Business, noted that being part of team sport makes it easier for athletes to get a place on the Olympic team. Otherwise, it can take a lot of money and time to earn sustenance, said the professor.

“If you’re going to be an Olympic athlete, unless you are a professional team athlete who makes an Olympic team, you’re going to be basically forced to contribute a fair amount of money as well as time,” Conrad was quoted saying in the CNN article. “And you have to take jobs to do that. I have heard stories of elite track and field members who have worked waiting tables,” said Mark further.

To establish his claim, Conrad referred to the ongoing tumultuous fiasco within the track and field community involving prize money for athletes. The World Athletics and the USA’s track and field apex body both have announced that they will award monetary awards to Olympic medalists. However, the meager amounts of these prizes caused many fans and athletes to protest. Probably that’s why the USA’s women’s water polo team found a helping hand in the most unexpected of places to help them pursue their dream.

A widespread issue for other sports and stars as well

After the US women’s water polo team captain and three-time Olympic champion, Maggie Steffens’ message did the rounds across social media, it wasn’t long before celebrity rapper Flavor Flav came forward with backup. Responding to Steffens, Flav promised to “use all my relationships and resources” to make sure the team has cheerleaders in Paris Olympics later this year.

“I just want to help out and I just want to give back. I want to help these women achieve their goals.” said the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer in an interview with TMZ Live in May 2024. However, it’s not only water polo that has to suffer because of low exposure. Many track and field professionals have to face financial problems as well.

In April, fans were shocked to learn that Dylan Beard, winner of the men’s 60m hurdle at the Millrose Games, is a worker at Walmart. Furthermore, there are still plenty of stars who continue to balance life and their passion daily. With another Olympics upon us, only time will tell if there will be a situation soon for these athletes to pursue their dreams without having to think about their finances.