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How much do the pros make?

kurshingkurshing
in Community Forum 🏠

I was wondering...how much do the pros like Craig Alexander and Chris Mecca make?  I am guessing the the Oly distance pros make more, like Greg Bennett (isn't it Greg, not Craig?).  Anyway...I was wondering what kind of living these guys make since triathlon IS getting more popular but certainly like the BIG American or even world sports.

Anyone know?

Comments

  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    I don't know how much, but beyond the 1st Tier pro's (Chrissie, Craig, Potts, etc), the rest don't make squat. Triathlon is too small of a sport for most pro's to make a real living. I'm sure Alexander makes more than Bennett though. The lifestream of income for having won Kona will continue, while 10 years from now people will probably ask "Bennet who?" In track & field only about 30 in the U.S. can make a living, defined as making enough to pay all current year expenses and the ability to save enough to build a retirement fund. The rest of the pro's are like minor league ball players...it's a tough life.
  • manconamancona
    Most pro's including the very very top make very little money on from races. As there are only a handfull of races that actually have a large prize purse, which of course gets divided 10-20 ways and then uncle sam in the US wants his cut.

    The top tier pro's are typically on salary from a sponsor or two, so i would not say they have it easy by any means, but they do have some steady income. For example, Chrissie just signed a long term contract with TYR, Craig has a "lifetime" contract with Orbea/Orca.

    The 2nd & 3rd tiers I have talked to usually do not get a salary from sponsors but many have arrangements were some of there race entry and travel expenses are covered. They also sometime get bonuses from sponsors for placing in key races or media exposure. Most of these pro's still end up working another job, or have a SO that works. Although many of them coach or do something else in the sport as there job. Plus they do all kinds of other things to make a buck, like apperances at stores, clinics, camps, etc.

    The biggest issue I see for the 2nd and 3rd tier pros is they are pretty much entirely paid for performance, if they get injured, or have a bad season they get paid nothing. At least the small number of pros that have made it to the top tier have a salary.

    Like Paul said, it is a very very though life, and I'm pretty sure that no one does it for the money. They are pros because they love the sport.
  • Spokane_AlSpokane_Al
    I also suspect that the more personable, likeable racers, for example Michael and Amanda Lovato, can make a living at the sport. Because, while they may not win, they are always there smiling, ready to serve as MC and have a boatload of sponsors.
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    @ Al - you've got that right! One only has to look back at Carl Lewis in the '84 Olympics...4 gold medals and he didn't hit 10% of the expected endorsements because he came across as an ass at the LA games. But he got the message loud and clear. He was Mr Ambassador in 88 and 92, and everyone was rooting for him in the long jump in 96.
  • ri133ckri133ck
    @Hi Paul my fellow Tampa EN'r and Jacobs Coworker.

    @ Stephen - Super Fast Mirinda Carfrae came and talked to my Tri club the St Pete Mad Dogs before St Anthony's. She mentioned that she pretty much goes race to race when it comes to money. Most of what she makes comes from sponsors but she also mentioned that she home stays with friends to save money.
  • kurshingkurshing

    So, you're saying "Don't quit your day job!".

    Thought I was going to try sell my wife on mybecoming a pro triathlete. Guess I will leave that un-mentioned for the time being.
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