Track and field is all about speed, but when it comes to financial stability, it’s often a slow and frustrating process. Olympic sprinter Gabby Thomas is not shying away from discussing the harsh reality of making a living in the sport. For years, track athletes have struggled financially, but a potential breakthrough could be on the horizon. Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track initiative aims to change that by offering significant prize money—possibly allowing top athletes to earn up to $400,000 annually. However, Thomas remains skeptical, voicing her concerns about whether the initiative can truly transform track and field earnings.
A New Era for Track and Field?
Gabby Thomas recently shared her thoughts in an interview on A Touch More with Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, alongside fellow track star Nikki Hiltz. Both athletes are part of the Grand Slam Track series, and when asked why they joined, their answer was simple—financial security. Unlike the traditional model where track athletes often struggle to make ends meet, this series offers substantial prize money.
The numbers are impressive: a World Championship gold medal brings in $150,000, while a single Grand Slam Track victory is worth $100,000. Even finishing in eighth place guarantees $10,000. Winning four events in the series could net an athlete a staggering $400,000, providing financial stability that has long been absent from the sport.
However, Thomas highlighted a major issue—track and field athletes do not receive guaranteed salaries like their counterparts in other professional sports. Prize money and sponsorships are the only sources of income, and neither is assured.
The Financial Struggles of Track Athletes
Thomas explained that before Grand Slam Track, most elite competitors had to travel overseas to find well-paying competitions. The Diamond League was one of the few major prize-money circuits, offering winners $10,000 per event. However, with high expenses for travel, coaching, and agent fees, much of the earnings quickly disappeared.
“You do still have to, you know, if it’s not covered, pay for your travel, agent fees, coaching fees, and all of that. So hopefully, you go—like, the whole $10,000, there it goes,” Thomas revealed. Many athletes returned home not with profits, but with debt. Even winning the prestigious Diamond League Finals only awarded $50,000—a figure that pales in comparison to salaries in other sports.
Athletes in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL sign multi-million-dollar contracts, creating a stark contrast between track and field and other major professional leagues. Grand Slam Track stands out for its effort to bridge this financial gap, but the sport remains an incredibly difficult profession from which to make a sustainable living.
Gabby Thomas’ Second Job: Beyond the Track
Despite her success, Thomas does not rely solely on track earnings to support herself. In fact, she openly admits that her primary source of income comes from outside the sport.
“I don’t make my money on the track,” she stated, reinforcing the harsh reality that even Olympic champions often need alternative revenue streams. While reports estimate her net worth between $1 million and $5 million, her earnings come primarily from outside endeavors.
On the Net Worth and Chill podcast, Thomas explained that she has a “second job” in addition to running. That job? Being her own brand. “It’s to essentially be an influencer,” she said. With 1.1 million Instagram followers, a Vogue cover feature, and endorsement deals with brands like Amazfit and CAVA, Thomas has built a lucrative presence beyond athletics.
The Olympics themselves provide minimal financial rewards. Winning a gold medal earns just $37,000—an amount that must be split among relay team members when applicable. When Thomas mentioned this on the podcast, the host was shocked at how little athletes receive compared to the immense training and sacrifices required to reach the Olympic podium.
The Harsh Reality of Track and Field Finances
Athletes often spend six figures on training, travel, and coaching, yet even a gold medal payout barely covers these costs. This financial imbalance forces many athletes to seek sponsorships, brand deals, and social media opportunities to remain financially stable.
In track and field, running fast is essential—but navigating the financial landscape wisely is just as critical for long-term success.