Marketplace All-in-One What it costs to become an Olympian or Paralympian
Feb 26, 2026
Kimberly Adams, a Marketplace reporter covering business and economics, breaks down the financial burden of reaching the Olympics and Paralympics. She explores why athletes face average costs of about $12,000 a year. Winter sports can balloon expenses with travel, coaching, and gear. The segment also touches on how athletes and nonprofits manage career and retirement tradeoffs.
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High Cost Of Reaching Olympic Level
- Competing to reach the Olympics and Paralympics carries a steep financial barrier averaging $12,000 per year for athletes.
- Winter sports raise costs further with pricey equipment and fees that can reach up to $100,000 a year for some disciplines.
Winter Sports Add Major Expense Layers
- Winter athletes face extra expenses beyond travel and coaching, including pricey equipment and rink or slope time.
- Lisa Narati notes those added costs make some winter sports far more expensive than typical yearly estimates.
Funding Gaps Shift Costs To Families And Leave Athletes Vulnerable
- Many young athletes rely on parents to cover training costs during long development periods, while adults struggle to hold steady jobs.
- Team USA funding and a recent $100 million donation provide some retirement support but don't cover training gaps.