The golden ticket
While no athletes are allowed to be paid directly by the NCAA or outside sources for their athletic accomplishments and actions, there is one special case to where an athlete can get paid. This rare exception to the rule comes from the Olympics. Athletes still training at a collegiate level can make themselves some cash through placing in the Olympics. Based on how well the athlete does, they may receive certain rewards in the form of money in a completely legal and certified way. The amount varies from sport to sport, but most athletes receive amounts of $25,000 for gold, $15,000 for silver and $10,000 for bronze prizes in their respective event.
These numbers can be raised based on the sport, as wrestlers such as Kyle Snyder may get a total of $250,000 for gold from USA Wrestling and the United States Olympic Commitee (USOC).
Competing for one's country has a special place in the heart of the NCAA and seems to be the only way an athlete can maintain their eligibility and make money at the same time.
Competing for one's country has a special place in the heart of the NCAA and seems to be the only way an athlete can maintain their eligibility and make money at the same time.
For more information on NCAA athletes in the Olympics click here.