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July in Paris: 10,000 athletes float down the Seine for the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony, while nearby, McDonald's workers flip burgers. Who earns more? Surprisingly, the McDonald's worker makes almost 50% more than the average Olympian.

Despite filling stadiums and generating billions in sponsorships, Olympians receive no money from the International Olympic Committee, even for gold. Why is that, and how do athletes make money? This video dives into the financial struggles of Olympians, from ancient Greece (where athletes competed naked—talk about cutting costs!) to modern-day sponsorships.

We uncover the business behind being an Olympic athlete and explore the evolution of the Games, the impact of amateurism, and the modern financial landscape for athletes.

⏱ Timestamps
0:00 The Business of Being an Olympic Athletes
01:00 The History - From Olives to Gold
08:10 How Athletes Make Money
12:28 The Problem: Rule 40
15:51 The Future

🎬 About
Athletic Interest is a video essay series that investigates business stories from the world of sports.

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