How do Olympians like Eileen Gu earn $23 million? Here's how : NPR
NPR • • sports
Key Points:
- Winter Olympians like freestyle skier Eileen Gu and snowboarder Chloe Kim have leveraged their athletic success and telegenic looks into multimillion-dollar sponsorship deals, with Gu earning $23 million in the past year alone.
- Beyond winning medals, athletes who possess an "it factor"—a confident, vibrant presence—and maintain relatable, savvy social media profiles tend to attract lucrative endorsements.
- Despite some high-profile successes, most Olympians do not secure significant sponsorships and often face financial challenges covering training and competition costs.
- Sustaining fame beyond the Olympics requires ongoing effort, with some athletes creating new events, engaging in media opportunities, or participating in reality TV to remain relevant.
- Emerging trends like Name, Image, and L
