10 Olympic athletes with surprising day jobs: From ice cream shop owner to birthday party clown
Here’s what these 10 Olympians do as their day jobs: From math professor to epidemiologist
Many athletes who compete in the Olympics don't make a living solely from their sport. Only a few lucky ones end up making huge money from their respective sports as full-time athletes. Others take up jobs while keeping a balance between their work and sport. Many athletes who have gone on to win medals in the biggest sporting event, have had day jobs. Let us take a look at 10 US Olympic athletes with surprising day jobs.
1. Angel McCoughtry: Ice cream shop owner
US basketball player Angel McCoughtry, who is a two-time gold medalist, opened an ice cream shop, McCoughtry's Ice Cream, in Atlanta. She plans to open more outlets. Angel signed with the Las Vegas Aces in 2020 and is a WNBA player, having competed in both the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio Olympics.
2. Nic Fink: Engineer
Swimmer Nic Fink earned his master's degree in electrical and electronic engineering from Georgia Tech after competing in his first Olympics in Tokyo. He graduated in December 2022 and began working at Quanta Utility Engineering.
3. Jared Ward: Math professor
US marathon runner Jared Ward is also a math professor at Brigham Young University. He was one of the runners in the 2016 Rio Olympics as he finished third in the marathon at the 2016 US Olympic Trials. He secured the sixth spot at the 2016 Olympics.
4. Gabrielle Thomas: Epidemiologist
Sprinter Gabrielle (Gabby) Thomas is a Harvard graduate, who also has a master's in public health and epidemiology from the University of Texas. She also volunteers at a clinic for uninsured patients in Austin. She made her way to the 2024 Olympics as the gold medal favorite in the 200 meters.
5. Christopher Fogt: Army officer
Bobsledder Christopher Fogt is an army officer who won a bronze medal in the four-man bobsledding event during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. He also took part in the two-man Bobsled event in Sochi, finishing at 12th place.
6. Canyon Barry: Systems engineer
US men's 3x3 basketball team member Canyon Barry is a systems engineer at L3 Harris Technologies, a defense and space contractor, and holds degrees in nuclear engineering and physics.
7. Polina Edmunds: Social media marketer
Polina Edmunds, an Olympic figure skater from the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, is currently a podcast host and social media marketer. She decided to give up figure skating after earning her degree in communications from Santa Clara University in June 2020.
8. Morelle McCane: Birthday party clown
Boxer Morelle McCane, who has been working hard since she was 17 years old, has supported her goals of being an Olympian by working as a mailroom clerk, daycare supervisor, and birthday party clown. In 2024, she became the first Cleveland-born female fighter to qualify for the Games.
9. Ellen Geddes: Farm owner
Ellen Geddes was an ardent horseback rider before being rendered disabled in a vehicle accident in 2012 at the age of 23. She participated in her maiden Wheelchair World Championship in 2013 after attempting wheelchair fencing for the first time later in 2012. She currently owns two horse farms, Maplewood Farm and Bridlewood Farm, in Aiken and is also a breeding director at Magnolia Sport Horses.
10. Jesse Grupper: Mechanical engineer
Olympic rock climber Jesse Grupper is also a mechanical engineer and an engineering research fellow at Harvard, specializing in rehabilitation and soft robotic educational technology. He also worked remotely part-time for the Harvard Biodesign Lab. He won gold in men's combined at the 2023 Pan American Games to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
