Sunday, August 07, 2016

Money for the Olympics

Who should get paid more for working in the Olympics? The athletes or the supporting cast of management, trainers. coaches, etc.? It's the latter group that is making the big money. Some of the athletes get so little they live out of their car surviving on food stamps and unemployment benefits.

The IOC's president receives an annual "allowance" of $251,000 and lives rent-free in a five-star hotel and spa in Switzerland although he is considered a "volunteer". IOC members travel first-class and get paid thousands of dollars just to attend the Olympics. 

The USOC also treats its executives very well. USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus makes $854,000, and national swim team director Frank Busch makes $346,000; their swimmers competing in Rio can make monthly stipends that cap at $42,000 per year. USA Triathlon CEO Rob Urbach makes $362,000 while Team USA triathletes compete for stipends that range from about $20,000 to $40,000 a year. The coach of the USA Rowing women’s team makes $237,000 while his rowers vie for stipends that max out at about $20,000 per year. 

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