For every Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt or any other athletes who make their names in history and sign lucrative endorsement contracts, there are thousands of men and women who practice every bit as hard for just a fraction of the world recognition. The ultimate goal is to go into history as reaching the pinnacle of physical performance in the Olympics, that universally recognized of excellence which is organized every four years in both winter and summer. Olympic Games is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for years of training to pay off and join the elite world of athletic.
Mental Floss discussed with several medalists about the fact of competing, from the surreal top of Olympic Village.
1. IT DOES NOT COST A FORTUNE TO GET READY.
While some teams or individuals of popular sports take advantages of sponsorships or subsidized costs at the Olympics, the costs of training over a long period of time (a decade or more) to get ready for competition often lie on their own shoulders. Kyle Tress, a skeleton racer who rushes down a course at 90 mph, estimates he spent well over $150,000 on the road to prepare for the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. A single competition costs well over $15,000, and you have to buy new runners at $1000- 1200 each. Then there’s travel expenses which is expensive as some of these places, such a exclusive ski resort in France, are difficult to get to.
2. THEIR FAMILIES SWAP OR SELL TICKETS.
Athletes are usually given a set number of entry tickets to their events, which may not enough for the huge number of friends, family, or members who want to show up to support. As a result, families often trade tickets for certain days with each other to get into the game.