"When I ask people how much they thought I earned as a US Olympian, they always guess an amount far above what I actually got paid. During the years I was part of the US fencing team from 2016 to 2021, I made $300 a month. This was the pinnacle of my fencing career, and yet I wasn't making enough to cover my living expenses. But this had always been my dream, and I had to pursue it at all costs."
"I'd been fencing since I was about 8. My mom, a Polish immigrant, had signed me up after a client of hers suggested she bring me along to a practice. He said there was a scholarship opportunity if I did well, and my mom was hooked. Fencing was a great outlet for me during my parents' divorce. Most kids get yelled at for hitting other kids - I was being applauded for it."
"My mom financially supported my fencing. She put herself into credit card debt to ensure we could pay for equipment, travel, practices, and tournaments. I remember her once telling one of my coaches that she couldn't afford to bring me to practices anymore. The coach told her to just pay what she could. He wanted me to chase this dream and saw potential. My road to the Olympics wouldn't have been possible without him."
Monica Aksamit began fencing at about eight after her Polish immigrant mother enrolled her following a scholarship lead. Her mother financed equipment, travel, and competition costs, sometimes using credit cards. A coach allowed reduced payments, enabling continued training. Early competitive success produced modest prize money. Inspired by the 2004 Olympics, Aksamit pursued the Olympic team and won a bronze medal in 2016. While on the U.S. fencing team from 2016 to 2021, she earned $300 per month, which was insufficient to cover living expenses and led to personal credit card debt despite reaching the sport's pinnacle.
Read at Business Insider
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