The journey of an amateur Olympian in Paris 2024 is a testament to dedication and sacrifice, but often, it comes with severe financial hardships. These athletes deserve more than fleeting glory; they need sustained support. It’s unjust to reserve scholarships and rewards only for medalists, leaving others to fend for themselves. Ignoring the financial needs of athletes can have dire consequences.
Young athletes must juggle multiple demands. As they transition from high school to university and, if lucky, enter the job market, they must also adhere to intense training regimens, follow strict nutritional guidelines, use up-to-date sports equipment, and participate in various competitions. These necessities require significant financial investment. Without adequate funding, athletes face overwhelming financial and psychological pressure.
GAMES TURNED INTO A COMMERCIAL VENTURE
In today’s world, the Olympics transcend sports, embodying athletic excellence and human aspiration. While promoting societal health, the Games have also turned into a commercial venture where athletes’ struggles are often sidelined.
“It may be the last fight of my life because they withdraw my scholarship”
Lucía Martín-Portugués, a Spanish fencer ranked fourth globally, became a poignant symbol of this issue during the Paris Olympics. Her widely publicized story highlights the urgent need for a more inclusive financial support system for all athletes, not just the medalists. She was eliminated in the first round and acknowledged that it may have been the “last fight of my life because they withdraw my scholarship.”
Spanish government policies, which provide scholarships solely to medalists, compound the issue by neglecting other Olympians’ efforts. The lack of financial support has left many athletes feeling disillusioned. Lucía’s heartfelt question, “Was it really worth it?” captures the broader sentiment of athletes grappling with financial struggles.
Celebrating Olympians’ achievements means also recognizing their financial burdens. Providing comprehensive support for all athletes, regardless of their medal prospects, is a moral and practical necessity. By ensuring every athlete has the necessary resources, we can foster a more equitable and flourishing Olympic community. It is not beneficial to convey such a result-oriented message to society and ignore the rest of the daily work, which is the important thing to transmit.
