Most Olympians don't make millions. This bobsledder rented out his home to boost his income while competing around the world.
Boone Niederhofer, a bobsledder and petroleum engineer, shares how he balances a full-time career and family life with Olympic training. He highlights the financial strain of professional sports and his method of renting out his home to fund his athletic pursuits.
Why it matters
The story sheds light on the financial realities of Olympic athletes in niche sports who often lack corporate sponsorship and must self-fund their training.
Boone Niederhofer competed for Team USA in bobsled at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Courtesy of Boone Niederhofer Boone Niederhofer, a former collegiate football player, began his bobsledding career after a COVID-era layoff. Today, he balances a full-time engineering job, Olympic training, and fatherhood. He explains how he created additional income during the Olympic season by renting out his home. Some might assume that making it to the Olympics brings financial security, but for many athletes in lesser-known sports, it's not a windfall. In fact, the costs can be higher than they pay for some Olympians. "Athletes will go into debt trying to chase their dream," Olympian Boone Niederhofer told Business Insider. Equipment, travel, and lodging can add up quickly, while "the realities of life are still there, even for people who make the Olympics."
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