Olympic Athletes Work Many Jobs Like Dentist and Engineer to Fund Dreams

Did you know Olympic athletes work jobs like dentists and engineers? Many need these jobs to pay for their sports dreams, showing their hard work off the field.
By Newsroom | Sports, Lifestyle |

Many athletes who compete on the global stage of the Olympics balance demanding training schedules with conventional employment. These "day jobs" span a wide range of professions, from healthcare and engineering to finance and entertainment, often serving as vital financial support for their athletic careers.

17 Olympians With Day Jobs That Are So Odd, They'll Make You Say, "What?!? There's Absolutely No Way!!" Because They're Just *That* Random - 1

Background

Olympic athletes dedicate significant time and effort to training, often requiring them to secure employment to fund their Olympic journeys. The nature of these jobs can vary widely, from part-time work to professional careers, and sometimes serve as a crucial bridge to cover training, travel, and living expenses.

17 Olympians With Day Jobs That Are So Odd, They'll Make You Say, "What?!? There's Absolutely No Way!!" Because They're Just *That* Random - 2

Documented Professions

Several Olympians have day jobs that are publicly known. Evidence from multiple sources indicates the following:

17 Olympians With Day Jobs That Are So Odd, They'll Make You Say, "What?!? There's Absolutely No Way!!" Because They're Just *That* Random - 3

  • Healthcare Professionals:

  • Tara Peterson, a curler, is a dentist.

  • Her sister, Tabitha Peterson, also a curler, is a pharmacist.

  • One athlete is described as a "top Harvard-grad doc," suggesting a medical career, though a specific name is not provided.

  • Kat Holmes, a US Olympic fencer, is a medical school student.

  • STEM and Finance:

  • Canyon Barry, a US Olympic basketball player, works as a systems engineer.

  • Justin Best, a rower, is employed in finance. He is noted for being reserved about the specifics of his role.

  • Service and Entertainment:

  • Morelle McCane, a US boxer, previously worked as a birthday-party clown.

  • An unnamed athlete mentioned walking dogs as a means to finance her Olympic journey.

  • One athlete's profile indicates she advertised merchandise, including stickers and t-shirts, for sale on her website to subsidize costs.

  • Other Professions:

  • Alex Deibold, an Olympic athlete, was involved in helping other riders, suggesting a role in coaching or mentorship.

  • Anne Cebula, a US Olympic fencer, is a model.

  • Aly Bull, an Australian Olympic canoeist, is a firefighter.

  • One athlete is identified as a breeding director at Magnolia Sport Horses and owns two horse farms, indicating a role in equine management and business.

Financial Support Mechanisms

The financial needs of Olympic athletes are often met through a combination of sources:

17 Olympians With Day Jobs That Are So Odd, They'll Make You Say, "What?!? There's Absolutely No Way!!" Because They're Just *That* Random - 4

  • Personal Income: Many athletes rely on their day jobs to cover expenses not fully supported by their sport's governing bodies.

  • Sponsorships and Earnings: Some athletes generate income through sponsorships, endorsements, and the sale of merchandise. For instance, one athlete's profile highlights merchandise sales to cover training and travel.

  • Team and National Support: While personal income is often necessary, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard team, for example, now covers some training and travel expenses for its athletes, though personal costs, like travel for a coach, may still be borne by the athlete.

Motivations and Aspirations

Athletes pursue these diverse professions for several reasons:

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  • Financial Necessity: A primary driver is to fund the significant costs associated with elite athletic training and competition.

  • Career Development: Some athletes view their "day jobs" as integral to building a long-term career alongside or beyond their athletic pursuits.

  • Passion and Balance: For some, these jobs represent a passion or a way to maintain balance outside of their sport. One athlete is quoted saying, "I don’t like training all the time," suggesting a desire for varied activities.

Conclusion

The landscape of Olympic athletes' employment reveals a dedication that extends beyond the field of play. These individuals demonstrate a capacity to excel in demanding professions while simultaneously pursuing peak athletic performance. The array of jobs underscores the multifaceted nature of athletes' lives and the strategic planning required to achieve success on the Olympic stage.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kind of day jobs do Olympic athletes have?
Olympic athletes work many different jobs to pay for their sports. Some are dentists, pharmacists, engineers, firefighters, and even birthday party clowns.
Q: Why do Olympic athletes need day jobs?
Athletes need day jobs to earn money for training, travel, and living costs. These jobs help them fund their Olympic dreams when sports money is not enough.
Q: How do Olympic athletes balance work and training?
Athletes carefully plan their time to train hard and also work their jobs. Some jobs are part-time, while others are full-time careers they manage alongside their sports.
Q: Do all Olympic athletes have day jobs?
Many Olympic athletes have day jobs, but not all. Some get enough money from sponsorships or team support. However, most athletes need personal income to cover their expenses.
Q: What are some examples of Olympic athletes with day jobs?
Examples include Tara Peterson, a curler who is a dentist, Canyon Barry, a basketball player who is a systems engineer, and Aly Bull, a canoeist who is a firefighter.
Q: How do these jobs help athletes' careers?
These jobs provide necessary money for athletes. Some athletes also see these jobs as building skills for life after sports or as a way to have balance outside of training.