Olympic Athletes' Day Jobs: From Clown to Engineer, These Stars Have Surprising Second Acts

According to SAEDNEWS, For many Olympic athletes, the fortunate reality is that their sport doubles as their profession. However, for every household name like Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, or Noah Lyles—athletes who possess the financial means to solely focus on their athletic pursuits—there are countless others working tirelessly to earn their chance at Olympic glory in Paris 2024 while juggling full-time jobs.

Even the most elite athletes face steep costs associated with training, traveling, and maintaining peak performance. Competing on the world stage, especially at the Olympics, is no small endeavor and often necessitates significant financial support.

Not all aspiring Olympians can commit to a traditional 9-to-5 job. Many are student-athletes with limited resources, such as Vanderbilt student Veronica Fraley, who received community support from Alexis Ohanian and Flavor Flav to cover her rent, enabling her to focus on her discus throwing. Others are in a constant search for sponsorship or funding to support their Olympic dreams.

Interestingly, numerous athletes headed to Paris are simultaneously managing full-time careers outside of their sports—some out of necessity, while others seek to prepare for life beyond their athletic endeavors.

Profiles of Dedicated Dual Career Athletes

Nic Fink

Nic Fink, the reigning world champion in the 100-meter breaststroke, has successfully balanced his swimming career with his profession as an electrical engineer at Quanta Utility Engineering. After earning his master's degree from Georgia Tech in December 2022, he has found a flexible remote work schedule invaluable. “Having a job helps me compartmentalize my life,” Nic explained, noting that it allows him to focus and relieve stress, ultimately leading to his impressive silver medal finish in Paris.

Gabby Thomas

Sprinter Gabby Thomas, a Harvard graduate with a master's in public health, doesn’t just chase Olympic glory but also dedicates her time to volunteering at a clinic for uninsured patients. As the 200-meter gold medal favorite, Gabby exemplifies the blend of sport and social responsibility. Initially considering a future in health care, she ultimately decided to pursue both her academic and athletic passions.

Canyon Barry

Canyon Barry, who stands 6-foot-5, has degrees in physics and nuclear engineering and works as a systems engineer at L3 Harris Technologies. As he competes with the U.S. 3x3 basketball team in Paris, Canyon expresses gratitude for having a fulfilling career outside of sports, stating that it offers him a sense of identity that complements his life as an athlete.

Morelle McCane

Morelle McCane, a boxer and the first female fighter from Cleveland to qualify for the Olympics, has worked a variety of jobs, from being a birthday party clown to overseeing a daycare, all while pursuing her dreams in the ring. “You have to find what you can for the moment sometimes,” she told the Houston Chronicle, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in her journey to Paris.

Zachery Schubert

Beach volleyball player Zachery Schubert runs a cricket farm in Australia, where he raises crickets for consumption—not simply for shock value but as a sustainable protein source. As he makes his Olympics debut in Paris, Zachery’s unique side hustle showcases the diverse paths athletes take to support their careers.

Ellen Geddes

Ellen Geddes, a Paralympic fencer and former equestrian, was left paralyzed after a car accident but didn’t let that stop her. Now the owner of two horse farms and a breeding director at Magnolia Sport Horses, Ellen is determined to succeed in both her athletic and entrepreneurial endeavors as she prepares for the Paris Paralympics.

Alyssa Bull

As an Australian firefighter and Olympic canoeist, Alyssa Bull has mastered the art of juggling work and training routines. Her schedule involves alternating shifts, making her dedication to both professions a testament to her passion and commitment.

Maria Liana Mutia

Para judo competitor Maria Liana Mutia also navigates the challenges of balancing her sport with work as a software analyst for Comcast. A typical day includes early morning exercise, a full day of work, and late-night training, demonstrating her profound resilience and determination.

Kat Holmes

Princeton graduate Kat Holmes is making waves in the fencing world while simultaneously pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. Competing in her third Olympics, she emphasizes the difficulty of balancing medical school and athletic training, but her passion for fencing keeps her motivated.

Jesse Gruper

Mechanical engineer Jesse Gruper has been climbing competitively since age 11 and now combines his engineering expertise with his love for the sport. A research fellow at Harvard, he manages to work remotely while pursuing Olympic aspirations in sport climbing.

Dani Jackovich

Water polo player Dani Jackovich has navigated a career in the sports industry while making her Olympic debut. Her involvement in swimwear design and tech analytics ensures that she remains closely tied to her sport, making her journey even more meaningful.

Anne Cebula

Fencer Anne Cebula transitioned from a receptionist to a full-time athlete, quitting her job to commit fully to training. Her background in modeling and her journey to the Olympics exemplify the gritty determination many young athletes embody.

Meghan Musnicki

Four-time Olympian Meghan "Moose" Musnicki initially hung up her oars but found herself drawn back to the sport. Now working in HR while pursuing her Olympic dreams, she balances her newfound career with her passion for rowing alongside her husband, Skip, who serves as a coach for the U.S. men’s team.

Ultimately, these athletes represent a growing trend among Olympians who work diligently to pursue their athletic passions while preparing for life beyond the Olympic stage. Their stories embody the resilience, dedication, and multi-dimensionality that define the modern Olympic experience.