FROM THE CUBICLE TO PARIS: THE 9-5 HUSTLE OF OLYMPIC ATHLETES
As the Olympic flame ignites in Paris, we're all captivated by the superhuman feats of Team USA. But behind the glitz of the Games lies a reality that's often overlooked: for many athletes, the journey to the Olympics is a balancing act between chasing their dreams and maintaining a full-time job. Yep, while household names like Simone Biles and LeBron James enjoy lucrative sponsorships, many Olympians are juggling full-time jobs alongside their intensive training schedules. And even those who aren't now often have a past filled with early mornings, late nights, and the relentless pursuit of both athletic and professional success. Through sheer grit and determination, some have managed to turn their Olympic dreams into a full-time reality, finally reaping the rewards of their years of sacrifice and hard work.
So, who are these inspiring individuals?
Image: Michelle Sechser
Let's start with Michelle Sechser, a powerhouse rower on the women's eight team who also flexes her analytical muscles in the world of fintech. Then there's Nic Fink, the breaststroke phenom who, when he's not breaking records in the pool, is busy working sales in the medical field. And let's not forget Jesse Grupper, the mechanical engineer who literally scales walls for Team USA but also tackles complex problems remotely for a Harvard lab.
Image: Gabby Thomas
Image: Nic Fink
Then, there’s Gabby Thomas, a Harvard graduate and track star, who’s working towards a master's in epidemiology while training for the 200-meter dash. Meanwhile, weightlifter Jourdan Delacruz is a registered dietitian and founder of a research organization. Sunny Choi, a trailblazing “B-Girl” and the first Asian-American to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Breaking team, also holds down a full-time job with Estée Lauder. Lastly, there’s Kristen Faulkner, the cycling powerhouse who has a master’s degree in computer science.
Image: Sunny Choi
For these athletes, the road to the Olympics isn't paved with gold– it's a relentless hustle, a constant juggling act. While we celebrate their victories on the world stage, it's important to acknowledge the sacrifices they make behind the scenes. The good news is that progress is being made. For the first time in Olympic history, female athletes will have as many places in the Games as male athletes. It also marks the first time that female athletes are making the same as male–a powerful stride towards a more equitable future. And heartwarming stories like Flavor Flav and Alexis Ohanian chipping in to pay the rent for U.S. Olympic track and field athlete Veronica Fraley remind us that Olympian dreams sometimes require a little community spirit (and some celebrity generosity).
These Olympians are living proof that with passion, perseverance, and a whole lot of hustle, you can achieve extraordinary things – even if you’re not dreaming of nailing a perfect 10 on the beam.
