Olympians Balance Jobs While Training for Competitions

Many U.S. Olympians, including those competing in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games, juggle athletic training with jobs such as realtors and dentists due to financial constraints. For instance, silver medalist Korey Dropkin balances his curling career with real estate, while Tara Peterson practices dentistry. The IOC notes that numerous athletes manage dual careers, as prize money is not awarded directly by them, despite the U.S. Olympic Committee offering bonuses. This financial struggle contrasts sharply with high-earning athletes like snowboarder Chloe Kim, who earns millions.