Greetings
I was reading the thread on the age of male swimmers and the mention of the pro status made me wonder how much these men and women actually make. Anyone have an idea of the income levels of the top men and women in the sport and how many actually are making a living in the sport?
Thanks
Spudfin
Former Member
The article I read about Vendt's lawsuit said Tyr was paying him $80K per year. I have heard (with no data though) that Phelps is in 7 figures. But that includes Speedo, Visa, and a few others.
My guess is most of the "pros" are like Vendt. They can make a reasonable living. Coughlin, Hoff, and Lochte are in the top group (but below Phelps); others like Peirsol and Hansen probably above Vendt but below the top group.
As I understand, Phelps can make around $10,000 for an appearance at corporate events, swim expo's, etc. I also remember that a company (might have been Visa) was offering $1,000,000 bonus if he get Spitz's record of gold medals - naturally in addition to the already large endorcement deal.
Unfortunately, I am certain I could count on my fingers and toes (perhaps fingers only) how many swimmer can earn a "living" swimming. And I certain that only a few of those could earn a "post-swimming related income" (like Gaines, Evans, Sanders, etc) doing commentary and the like.
Former Member
No wonder Speedo is charging $550 for an LZR and the swimmers (who will be wearing that rag at the Olympics) are endorsing them like they are the best invention since the electric light. :snore:
Speedo offered him $1 million dollars.
Some of these Olympic swimmers are making good 6 figure incomes a year from their endorsements. I wouldn't mind swimming 4 hours a day and a few hours of dryland work for a few hundred thousand a year. Don't forget, they get stipends for making the Olympic team and money for medaling at World Champs and Olympics. That is the dream life.
What did Amanda Beard get for posing for Playboy? When you do Maxim/FHM, you don't get paid for those magazines.
