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EUGENE, OREGON – JUNE 19: Sha’Carri Richardson reacts after competing in the Women’s 100 Meter Semi-finals on day 2 of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials at Hayward Field on June 19, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

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EUGENE, OREGON – JUNE 19: Sha’Carri Richardson reacts after competing in the Women’s 100 Meter Semi-finals on day 2 of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials at Hayward Field on June 19, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Some of the top athletes in the world win medals and set world records but cannot earn millions of dollars. Although, there are exceptions to that. However, many athletes cannot gain endorsements or sponsorships like others. In a recent statement by former athlete Aaron Kingsley Brown, he spoke about how athletes receive less pay. This has caused other athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson to take notice.
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The two-time Olympic medalist was a part of Canada’s 4?100m relay team at the 2016 and 2020 Summer Games and talked about the current situation of payment for athletes. Earning comparatively lesser amounts than most NBA or NFL athletes, the track and field star’s statement gained a lot of attention.
Sha’Carri Richardson’s valid point
Kingsley Brown spoke about how athletes get paid very less. He mentioned how athletes who rank in the top 10 get paid much lesser than other athletes.
“Imagine a profession where you need to be World Top 10 just to begin earning a decent wage.”
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For the track and field competitions, sprints and marathons fetch great wages. Only 20% of the top 10 athletes make over $50k annually. The top runners in the sport can earn up to $100K annually. Naturally, the top two sprinters can get a better income. Likewise, runners in the 11th-25th position?earn $10K to $60K annually. With this payment in place, it is hard for many athletes to focus on their careers. Sha’Carri Richardson posted a story in favor of the statement made by Brown.
“The truth y’all don’t listen to!!! More athletes need to speak up and not be scared.”
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Sources of income
With many world-class athletes coming to the forefront, it is difficult to be a top 10 athlete and earn more. The talent pool is enormous, and the athletes spoke about earning lesser amount of money. Hence, it looks like the athletes have a point. Other than earning from the track, endorsements also fetch athletes a lot of wealth.

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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 09: Usain Bolt of Jamaica celebrates after he wins gold during the Men’s 200m Final on Day 13 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Usain Bolt and Michael Johnson are some exceptions to that segment but they won a lot of medals in their career. It is tougher for athletes below them to achieve the success they received.
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These athletes represent their country just like they achieve success for themselves. Better pay would improve their chances of being flexible with the income they receive.
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