Show me the money...

I started to share this article on Facebook, but when my post was 3 paragraphs I decided it probably fits better here instead.

As my 12 readers know, I am an Olympic sport junkie.  I am convinced that the bug was planted in 2002 when I had the privilege of being a part of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the games in my town.  I've tried to get away from it.  I even spent three years in law school trying to escape, but its where I am meant to be.  I have worked for three different National Governing Bodies, US Speedskating, USA Bobsled and Skeleton Federation, and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association.  In my three years in this industry I have moved from an organization than can barely keep it together, to one where five people were running the whole show-I used to work alone in my office, to end up at the largest winter NGB out there.  Having been around the block, I've seen both sides.  Athletes with no personal endorsements to Lindsay Vonn and Ted Ligety.  Lolo's comments about her small winnings check from the FIBT/USBSF while very distasteful, are an issue that many people don't understand.  She might not have understood until she lived it this past season.

The track and field and swimming athletes, skiiers and to some extent figure skaters have something that the bobsled, skeleton and luge athletes will possibly never have--normal everyday people can participate in their sports.  The same can't be said for bobsled, luge and skeleton athletes.  That is why track and field and swimming have sponsors like Nike and Adidas--it's simple for marketers to understand the value of the sport and the athletes for their company.  USBSF and USA Luge struggle in the sponsorship category--not for lack of work mind you, Amanda Bird is one of the hardest working Marking and Communication Directors I have EVER had the pleasure of working with.  She realizes that her commodity are the athletes and their stories, not necessarily the sport itself, and she leverages that to bring in the sponsorship dollars.  Amanda can work 24/7 (which she does often) and still not be able to catch up to the sponsorships and donations coming in at the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association.  While it might seem small, the ability for people off the street to participate in your sport is a huge deal.  It makes you more relatable and more recognizable, it makes you easier to sell to America.

The track and field and swimming athletes, skiiers and to some extent figure skaters have something that the bobsled, skeleton and luge athletes will possibly never have--normal everyday people can participate in their sports.  The same can't be said for bobsled, luge and skeleton athletes.  That is why track and field and swimming have sponsors like Nike and Adidas--it's simple for marketers to understand the value of the sport and the athletes for their company.  USBSF and USA Luge struggle in the sponsorship category--not for lack of work mind you, Amanda Bird is one of the hardest working Marking and Communication Directors I have EVER had the pleasure of working with.  She realizes that her commodity are the athletes and their stories, not necessarily the sport itself, and she leverages that to bring in the sponsorship dollars.  Amanda can work 24/7 (which she does a lot) and still not be able to catch up to the sponsorships and donations coming in at the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association.  While it might seem small, the ability for people off the street to participate in your sport is a huge deal.  It makes you more relatable and more recognizable, it makes you easier to sell to America.

These athletes are incredible.  They are heroic and deserve to be put on pedestals more than once every four years.  The sacrifice and drive that it takes to perform at the highest level of sport is awe inspiring for this girl.  Many people don't understand that being heroic and awe-insipring once every quad doesn't necessarily pay the bills.  Now that you know about the problem, head here to donate to the USOC, or here to the USBSF directly.  These guys deserve your support!