An interesting article in Newsweek magazine about Olympic Gold Medalist Jason Lezak and how he wants to continue swimming, but that currently has no major sponsorships to support him.
If an Olympic hero like Jason Lezak is struggling to get sponsorships…yikes for the rest of us Olympians! At least those highly successful executives at AIG are rewarded for their achievements…oh wait.
During every Olympic Games only a few athletes really come out with any real money and the rest struggle to continue going for their dreams, but that’s part of what you understand when you want to be an Olympian.
You do it because you love your sport and because the Olympics are an incredible experience, but realistically to have a long career, a family like he does and also finish your career without being in-debt or in a major hole you do need to get some support.
Right now, I’m going through the same process with some of my teammates, we really want to train full-time for the next 3-years to have a realistic chance to make the Olympic Games and perform at a high level, but it’s probably the hardest time right now to get those kind of sponsorships.
I wish Jason the best of luck in acquiring sponsorships! (I hope we aren’t far behind!)
You can read the article by Eric Adelson at:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/189296
Claire Buffie
Leigh-Taylor Savannah Smith
Danica Lo
Kendrick Ferris
Scott Buccheit
Monica Valerian (new Teach For America corps member!)
