Athletes, what do they do?

Question

Are most athletes at the olympic games professional or do they have other jobs as well? On what do they live? Roughly how much do they earn during the olympics?

Answer 1

Not all of them are pros. I'm spaniard and 2 spanish people have won gold medal in kayak and they are police men.

Answer 2

It varies from country to country.  The stakes can be high and the athletes can be supported and paid just to compete in the wealthier countries like the US, China, Russia etc.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080819/wl_...

Answer 3

All are pros. They earn through sponsorships and grants. The good ones make millions.

Answer 4

Depends on the sport. Obviously, the NBA players can make a living doing basketball. But for some of the other sports like swimming and track and field, the Olympics is where they get their most exposure. I'd imagine the track and field people can make their money getting endorsements, but only if they are really good. There are no  "professional leagues" for swimming, track and field, archery, shooting, etc. of any notable publicity, so they can't make money doing their sport. I'd imagine they become coaches. Maybe they make enough from their initial popularity and subsequent endorsements that they sock their money away in a high-interest account and live off that. I believe most Olympians get their glory in the Olympics, but afterwards, they are largely forgotten. What Michael Phelps did was pretty incredible, but honestly, when college football and the NFL roll around in about a month, it'll be Michael who?