USA Olympians Balancing Sports with Their Professional Lives
As the 2024 Summer Games in Paris conclude, the 592 athletes representing the United States are transitioning back to their professional lives. Despite the significant financial rewards, including a potential $37,500 for a gold medal, the quest for athletic excellence is often accompanied by other professional pursuits. Herein, we highlight several distinguished members of Team USA who deftly balance their sporting commitments with alternate careers.
**Nevin Harrison**
**Sport:** Canoe Sprint
**Accomplishments:** Gold medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Games; silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Games
**Occupation:** At the age of 22, Ms. Harrison works part-time at a country-themed bar named Moonshine Beach in San Diego to support her finances. In addition to her work, she is pursuing a degree in biology at San Diego State University.
**Nic Fink**
**Sport:** Swimming
**Accomplishments:** One gold medal and two silver medals at the 2024 Paris Games
**Occupation:** Mr. Fink, aged 31, is a dual threat as he effectively manages his swimming career alongside a demanding position in engineering. He possesses a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Georgia Tech and works remotely for Quanta Utility Engineering Services, based in Dallas, Texas.
**Canyon Barry**
**Sport:** Basketball (3×3)
**Accomplishments:** Competed in the 2024 Summer Games in Paris
**Occupation:** At 31, Mr. Barry serves as a systems engineer for L3Harris Technologies, a leading global aerospace and technology company situated in Melbourne, Florida. Notably, he is the son of the legendary NBA player Rick Barry and holds both a bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Florida.
**Justin Best**
**Sport:** Rowing
**Accomplishments:** Gold medal in the men’s coxless four at the 2024 Paris Games
**Occupation:** Mr. Best, age 27, is established in finance, holding the position of investment analyst at Union Square Advisors in San Francisco. Remarkably, he earned his degree in business, engineering, and finance from Drexel University in Philadelphia amid preparations for his Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, which was delayed by the pandemic.
**Miles Chamley-Watson**
**Sport:** Fencing
**Accomplishments:** A three-time Olympian and bronze medalist at the 2016 Rio Games
**Occupation:** Mr. Chamley-Watson, 34, has carved out a niche in fashion modeling, amassing a substantial social media following, which attracts high-profile sponsorships from brands such as Nike and Red Bull. His striking appearance, standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall and adorned with tattoos, has enabled him to successfully bridge sport and fashion.
**Gabrielle Thomas**
**Sport:** Track and Field
**Accomplishments:** Bronze and silver medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Games; three gold medals at the 2024 Paris Games
**Occupation:** Ms. Thomas, 27, combines her athletic endeavors with a meaningful career in healthcare. She holds a bachelor’s degree in neurobiology from Harvard University and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Texas Health Science Center. When not training, she actively participates in a volunteer healthcare clinic in Austin, where she manages a hypertension program and aspires to lead a hospital or nonprofit aimed at improving healthcare accessibility.
In conclusion, the dedication of these Olympic athletes transcends their sport, as they simultaneously nurture careers that contribute positively to society. Their endeavors serve as a testament to resilience, ambition, and the multifaceted roles they embody beyond the athletic realm.
Post Comment