Top athletes are being forced to juggle their sporting exploits with second jobs, with careers including being a children’s author to a mechanic and banker.
While they’re away from their countless hours at the pool or on the court, these top athletes are earning their keep with everyday jobs.
While they’re away from their countless hours at the pool or on the court, these top athletes are earning their keep with everyday jobs.
While they’re away from their countless hours at the pool or on the court, top athletes such as Netballer Maddy Proud (pictured) are earning their keep with everyday jobs
Wilkinson said he finds it hard to balance it all, especially as he works shift work, but credits his hard work and dedication to his background growing up on a farm.
‘It keeps me busy and I enjoy working. I could probably pursue my bull-riding career full time but you can only train so much a day and I get too bored sitting around not working,’ he said.
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) helps out athletes by providing direct financial support so that they can focus on training and competitions.
While the athletes appreciate the money, they say it’s not enough to live on.
Paralympic swimmer Matt Levy, 32, has swum in four Paralympic Games and won seven medals but spends his spare time working at Westpac.
The Olympics, which have already been put off by a year, are coming up quickly.
To show off their skills and compete for the ultimate prize, athletes from all over the world will congregate in Tokyo: an Olympic medal in gold.