The recent Olympic Games ignited a public discourse in Hong Kong about the inadequate compensation of local athletes. This criticism, while valid, is often framed as an isolated issue specific to the city. However, a closer examination of the global athletic landscape reveals a pervasive pattern: The majority of athletes, particularly those outside the most popular and lucrative sports, face significant financial challenges that transcend geographical borders.
Australia is often lauded for its robust sporting culture, which is deeply embedded in the nation’s identity. The country invests heavily in athlete development, with government programs and private sponsorships supporting a wide range of sports. Yet, despite this strong foundation, financial rewards remain disproportionately concentrated among a select few.
According to a survey by the Australian Sports Foundation, nearly half of Australia’s top athletes earn less than A$23,000 ($15,236) per year, placing them below the poverty line. The foundation has warned that without increased financial support, Australia risks a mass exodus of top talent before major international competitions. The survey also revealed that two-thirds of elite athletes aged 18 to 34 have considered quitting their sport. Among those preparing for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, half have contemplated leaving, and 43 percent of those training for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics have also thought about exiting the sporting world.
Moreover, over 40 percent of athletes reported being worse off financially than they were a year ago, and more than a quarter have experienced a decline in mental health over the past 12 months. The average annual income of adult elite athletes in Australia ranges between A$23,000 and A$49,000, yet 46 percent of them earn less than A$23,000 from all income sources. This stark reality highlights the financial instability that plagues many of Australia’s athletes, even as the nation continues to excel on the global stage.
The United Kingdom provides another illustrative example of the financial inequalities within the sporting world. The English Premier League is the most popular soccer league globally, and its top players enjoy astronomical salaries, endorsements, and a celebrity lifestyle. However, this wealth is not evenly distributed across all levels of soccer in the country.
Players in the lower divisions of English soccer, such as League One and League Two, often struggle financially. While the average annual salary in the Premier League can reach millions of pounds, those in the lower leagues earn a fraction of this amount. In some cases, players are forced to supplement their income with part-time jobs or side gigs, highlighting the stark contrast between the financial realities of different tiers within the same sport. This situation underscores the broader issue of financial inequality within the sports industry, where a small elite enjoys immense wealth while the majority struggle to achieve financial stability.
The financial struggles of athletes are not confined to Australia and the United Kingdom; they are a global phenomenon. In the United States, a country often perceived as a sporting powerhouse, the reality for many Olympians is far from glamorous. Recent reports have highlighted the plight of numerous American and European athletes who, despite competing at the highest level, face significant financial difficulties.
A comprehensive study of Olympians in the US revealed that over half receive no income from their sport, while a quarter earn less than $15,000 annually. This precarious financial situation forces many athletes to seek alternative sources of income, often unrelated to their athletic careers. Platforms like OnlyFans have become a controversial yet necessary avenue for some athletes to make ends meet. Notable examples include British diver and 2024 Olympic bronze medalist Jack Laugher, German diver Timo Barthel, New Zealand rower Robbie Manson, Spanish fencer Yulen Pereira, and Canadian pole vaulter Alysha Newman, all of whom have turned to OnlyFans to share seminude or artistic nude photos to support their athletic careers.
This situation underscores the fact that even in countries with strong sporting traditions, financial stability remains elusive for many athletes. The reliance on commercial sponsorships and the lack of substantial financial backing for athletes in less popular sports exacerbates these issues.
It is essential to recognize that Hong Kong is not an outlier in this global phenomenon. The financial challenges faced by its athletes are symptomatic of a broader systemic issue affecting the sporting world. While the specific circumstances in Hong Kong may warrant attention and potential policy changes, it is crucial to avoid isolating the city’s athletes from the broader context.
In many ways, the financial struggles of athletes in Hong Kong mirror those seen in other parts of the world. The focus on medal counts and international success often overshadows the financial difficulties faced by athletes who do not reach the podium. This is a global issue, and addressing it requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond territorial borders.
To create a more equitable and sustainable sporting environment, a multifaceted approach is necessary. This includes increased government support, innovative revenue models, and stronger athlete advocacy. Governments can play a crucial role by providing direct financial assistance to athletes, particularly those in less popular sports. Additionally, the development of new revenue models, such as shared revenue streams from broadcasting rights or merchandising, could help distribute financial rewards more evenly across the sporting community.
Stronger athlete advocacy is also essential in addressing these financial disparities. Athletes’ unions and representative bodies can negotiate better terms for athletes, including higher base salaries, better access to sponsorship opportunities, and improved support for those transitioning out of competitive sports.
Ultimately, fostering a holistic understanding of the financial realities faced by athletes worldwide is crucial for creating a fairer and more supportive sporting environment. This involves shifting the narrative away from a sole focus on medal counts and toward recognizing the immense dedication and sacrifices made by all athletes. By doing so, we can work toward a future where athletic excellence is not compromised by economic hardship, and where athletes are valued not just for their achievements, but also for their contributions to society.
The author is chairman of the Asia MarTech Society and sits on the advisory boards of several professional organizations, including two universities.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
