Former Olympians also get paid to make appearances. Many of them won their medals in an era when Olympic success didn’t go hand-in-hand with financial success.
Meaning of the quote
Some athletes who competed in the Olympics a long time ago can now get money for showing up at events. Many of these former Olympians won medals back when being a successful Olympic athlete didn't automatically mean they were also financially successful.
About Mary Lou Retton
Mary Lou Retton is an American retired gymnast who won a gold medal in the individual all-around competition at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. She also won two silver medals and two bronze medals, making her one of the most popular athletes in the United States.
More quotes from Mary Lou Retton
In the dressing room, I always put on my right shoe first. Same thing for my right wristband.
American gymnast
For six years, I kept my five Olympic medals wrapped in a plastic bread bag beneath my bed.
American gymnast
You give up your childhood. You miss proms and games and high-school events, and people say it’s awful… I say it was a good trade. You miss something but I think I gained more than I lost.
American gymnast
I love her attitude, but as much as I’d like to bring my medals to a speech or appearance, I never do.
American gymnast
Former Olympians also get paid to make appearances. Many of them won their medals in an era when Olympic success didn’t go hand-in-hand with financial success.
American gymnast
For athletes, the Olympics are the ultimate test of their worth.
American gymnast
Many medal winners dream of competing in a sport other than the one they’re famous for.
American gymnast
Fragile egos are put on the line every day.
American gymnast
As simple as it sounds, we all must try to be the best person we can: by making the best choices, by making the most of the talents we’ve been given.
American gymnast
If I had a bad performance in a particular leotard, I threw it in the trash.
American gymnast
Having a home away from the media glare is important to world-class athletes.
American gymnast
Many athletes competing in Atlanta wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for corporate support.
American gymnast
Getting to know athletes from all over the planet is a big part of the Olympic experience.
American gymnast
As a kid, I was a pretty good little sprinter.
American gymnast
Pay-per-view would deprive many kids of the delight of seeing the Olympics.
American gymnast
Companies that support sports developmental programs in our communities should also be applauded.
American gymnast
The endorsement game has been very good to me.
American gymnast
That’s because the International Olympic Committee has a policy of never replacing medals.
American gymnast
In L.A., we had a game room with a new sensation called Pac-Man.
American gymnast
I usually don’t mind giving autographs, but when hundreds of folks with paper and pen start coming at you, it’s time to seek shelter.
American gymnast
Be cocky. Walk into the Georgia Dome like you own it.
American gymnast
It’s going to be really weird when I’m 80 years old, in a walker, and people are still calling me America’s sweetheart. We need a new one.
American gymnast