U.S. Olympians earn just 5% of what Singapore pays—many are forced to juggle jobs as baristas, brokers, and dentists just to get by

While it may feel safe to assume Olympic athletes rake in the dough much like other celebrities and public figures, the reality is that many of them hold on to several jobs just to make ends meet. The athletes who represent the $2 billion global spectacle often take home at most tens of thousands of dollars, and many earn nothing directly from competing. 

Plus, the cost of training for the Olympics can range from tens of thousands of dollars a year to more than $100,000 for some sports.