Top 20 Richest Olympian: A Look at the Wealthiest Athletes in the World

Do you want to know who is the richest olympian? The Olympic Games are the world’s premier platform for celebrating athletic excellence. And as such, there has been a number of incredibly successful athletes over the years who have become household names. But while they’ve all achieved great success in their respective sports, which one is considered the richiest olympian?

In this blog post, we’ll analyze some of the most well-known Olympic athletes and take a closer look at how much money each has earned throughout their careers. So you can find out who ranks among history’s richest olympic athletes.

Winklevoss Brothers ( 3 Billion Networth) 

Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss have proved themselves symbols of talent, sports stars , success, and financial prosperity by becoming the richest Olympian to compete. After winning gold at the 2008 Beijing Games, these wealthy twin brothers went on to even greater successes when they co-founded a $3 billion online payment processing company – an extraordinary feat for any individual, let alone a pair of brothers.

These former Olympian shows that success and financial stability can be done without choosing between athletics and lucrative business ventures. Through hard work, determination, and well-calculated investments, the Winklevoss twins are living proof that is making it big is attainable with the proper skillset and dedication. Their wealth continues to grow and could motivate anyone looking for industry success.

Ion Tiriac ( $2 Billion Networth)

Ion Tiriac is no stranger to the spotlight; he is among the world’s richest Olympian, with a $2 billion net worth. He has succeeded far beyond the peak of his professional tennis career. As an investor, promoter, and manager. At 81 years old, his success is attributes to his shrewd business acumen, impressive career as a pro tennis player and coach, and huge investments in companies ranging from energy to hospitality—all contributing to his massive stardom.

He has sponsored programs in Romania to enhance healthcare and education for underprivileged citizens and donated $1 million to charities such as Romanian Children’s Appeal organization. Ion Tiriac is a testament that embracing success in more arenas than being an Olympian can lead to greater financial rewards in the long run.

With innate charisma, an unwavering work ethic, and investment savvy, it’s no wonder Ion Tiriac’s wealth keeps growing – even today. He started from humble beginnings and has since accrued utter financial success. It just shows what a determined person can do when they put their mind to it.

Magic Johnson ($600 Million Networth )

Magic Johnson has solidified his position as the champion of his sport. The NBA Hall of Famer, the entrepreneur, and now, the richest Olympian on the planet. With a net worth of $600 million to his name, Magic Johnson is beyond compare in financial success to other former Olympic athletes.

His journey from inspiring rookie of the Los Angeles Lakers to winning five NBA Championships and becoming CEO of various businesses is truly remarkable. As he possesses both athletic and business acumen due to his unique strength in establishing strategic relationships across many sectors, Magic Johnson proves time and time again why he deserves to be an Olympic legend.

His net worth can be attributed to his drive, determination, and expertise – a lifetime of contributions to basketball has allowed him to become incredibly successful while making a real difference in his community.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. ( $560 Million Networth )

Mayweather Jr. is an absolute superstar among the Olympians. With a staggering net worth of $560 million, he has made it big in the world of boxing and redefined what it means to be rich. The retired professional boxer and five-division world champion are undoubtedly one of the greatest boxers.

His amazing career began at a very young age, demonstrating exceptional skills early on that ultimately paved his way to fame and success. He broke numerous records within and outside the ring, making him a superstar in his field. Mayweather has gathered immense wealth through his long and successful boxing career and investing in various industries such as real estate. 

His success is due to his incredible skills and unmatched dedication in the ring, but he has also capitalized on his fame by launching an incredibly successful entrepreneurial venture. Floyd Mayweather Jr. has motivated generations of athletes to stay focused and reach for their dreams, proving that with hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve greatness. He is a living example that success does not come without hard work and dedication.

Roger Federer ( $450 Million Networth )

No one can deny that Roger Federer is an extremely talented tennis player. He has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, an Olympic gold medal, and has been ranked No. 1 by the ATP for a record 310 weeks. However, many people don’t know that Federer is also the richest Olympian, with a net worth of $450 million. That’s right – he is worth more than double any other Olympian. 

How did Federer earn his fortune? A large chunk of it came from his partnerships with major brands like Rolex, Mercedes-Benz, Credit Suisse, and Uniqlo. But he also has made wise investments, such as investing in a luxury watch company and starting his own tennis management company. 

So next time you watch Federer play tennis, remember that you are watching not only one of the greatest athletes but also one of the wealthiest.

LeBron James ( $440 Million Networth )

There is no denying that LeBron is among the world’s most successful and iconic sports figures. He is known not only for his incredible basketball career but also for his prowess in business. Having made significant money from endorsement deals, investments, and a digital media company, it’s no surprise he has managed to amass wealth beyond comparison to many other professional athletes.

Even more incredible is his estimated net worth of $$440 million, which is a testament to his dedication and commitment as an athlete and a savvy businessman. His financial standing in the sports industry demonstrates that celebrity status can bring about far more than mere fame – it can create true financial success and stability.

LeBron James is a role model for aspiring athletes and entrepreneurs. His success story encourages us to strive for greatness on the court or in business. It proves that dreams can become a reality and astronomical success can be achieved when one applies themselves with diligence and passion.

Lionel Messi ( $400 Million Networth)

The Barcelona and Argentina striker is among the world’s richest Olympians. He is also undisputedly one of the greatest Olympians of modern history. His $400 million net worth and countless accomplishments on the pitch have earned him global renown both within and beyond the realm of sports.

Whenever he steps onto a soccer field, the crowd is always hyped up for it, no matter what country or stadium he’s playing in. He has captivated fans’ attention for over two decades with incredible skill and creativity, earning him recognition as one of the greatest players to ever grace a football pitch.

His mammoth wealth makes him a beacon of financial success that many aspire to emulate. Moreover, his contributions to charity projects have demonstrated a heart of gold. When it comes to Lionel Messi, it’s easy to understand why he’s amassed such wealth; simply put, he’s among the greatest of all, and it is only fitting that he is recognized as one of the wealthiest Olympians.

Shaquille O’Neal ( $400 Million Networth )

Having achieved greatness in both basketball and business, Shaquille O’Neal is an incredibly successful athlete. He is the undisputed richest Olympian, with an estimated $400 million combined net worth and investments. He’s mesmerized audiences through his ceaseless hard work on and off the basketball court since joining the NBA in 1992, and it truly has paid off!

His wealth puts him in a league of his own compared to even the most successful Olympian athletes; Charles Barkley famously admitted that O’Neal could “buy and sell” him many times over.

Through purposeful investments and diligent work, Shaquille O’Neal stands among the top earners among Olympic athletes and continues to prove his success in business and on the court.

Caitlyn Jenner ( $100 Million Networth)

Caitlyn Jenner is a prime example of how Olympic athletes can achieve remarkable success outside the venue of their sport. After all, she is among the richest Olympians, with a $100 million net worth! This speaks to her incredible success as a former Olympic athlete, proving that playing on an elite level and having grit pays off significantly if you manage to reach for what lies beyond.

Her award-winning track and field achievements translated into lucrative endorsements and a blossoming business career. In addition, she also has real estate investments that contributed to her financial success. Although not quite on the same level as other Olympic athletes on the list, Caitlyn Jenner’s net worth is still admirable and a testament to how far sheer determination can take you.

Ivana Trump ( $60 Million Networth )

Many Olympians come from humble beginnings and go to incredible lengths to perform at their best for their respective countries. But few come out of those efforts with such great financial rewards. Ivana Trump stands tall among those athletes who did, and her life serves as a reminder that sometimes looking beyond obvious skill can take you far in life.

Ivana Trump is an inspiring success story of a woman who has achieved extraordinary wealth. She ranks among the richest Olympians with an estimated $60 million net worth and is an inspiring example for aspiring entrepreneurs.  

Although famously known as the ex-wife of President Donald Trump, Ivana has continuously proven her dedication to success in her own right and without fail. She is certainly an inspiration to any athlete, businessperson, or entrepreneur looking for motivation. If anyone doubts the importance of hard work, Ivana Trump should be more than enough proof that it pays off!

Usain Bolt ( $60 Million Networth 

Usain Bolt is one of the most iconic Olympic athletes. Despite retiring in 2017, he earned $60 million in net worth and was even dubbed the “richest olympic athletes” the next year. This accomplishment adds to his impressive resume, which includes nine Olympic gold medals, also as an eight world record holder, and countless titles.

This figure doesn’t include his dozens of endorsements, estimated to total $10 million annually. Evidently, Bolt’s determination and unwavering work ethic paid off, resulting in a truly inspiring success story! It is a reminder that hard work pays off if you are determined and dedicated enough to reach your goals.

Michael Phelps ( $55 Million Networth)

Michael Phelps, the world’s greatest competitive swimmer, has become one of the richest Olympian. His $55 Million net worth proves that his hard work and dedication to his sport have come with great financial rewards. 

He has achieved this by balancing many business endeavors and philanthropic activities alongside his swimming career. From his record medal-earning accomplishments to his numerous world records, Phelps has truly made himself a living legend in the world of Olympic sports, and it is apparent that much of that success has been channeled through his wealth. 

Lance Armstrong ( $50 Million Networth)

Lance Armstrong is an extraordinary athlete who earned his $50 million net worth. With 87 professional victories and seven Tour de France titles, there’s no denying this Olympian’s hugely successful career.

But it’s not just from these impressive accomplishments that he earns his money; Armstrong is also an active entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. All of these combine to create the source of his incredible wealth, and it’s truly inspirational how much he has achieved in such a short span of time.

Armstrong’s Olympic legacy clearly goes far beyond being just a champion cyclist. He is a testament to the influence of fame and money in modern athletics – it may not always be fair, but you can’t deny it’s effective.

Shane Warne ( $50 Million Networth)

Shane Warne, an Australian cricket legend and one of the world’s most famous bowlers, is also among the richest Olympian. With an impressive $50 million net worth, Warne has leveraged his prolific career to establish himself as a significant figure in the business world. While few athletes attain this wealth due to their sporting achievements, Shane Warne is among the lucky few who have made it big.

The Australian cricketer draws respect from his peers and fans worldwide as he performs at the highest level despite his age. At 46 years of age, Shane Warne successfully bounced back from personal problems and proved that nothing could stop him or dampen his many accomplishments as an athlete.

He has also proven that there is great potential for athletes to monetize their years of hard work and dedication. His story should be an inspiration to all aspiring Olympians that rewards lie beyond just medals and championships.

Greg LeMond ( $40 Million Networth)

Greg LeMond is one of the richest Olympian alive today and has a reported net worth of around $40 million. He first gained fame as a professional cyclist, winning an astonishing three Tour de France titles in the 1980s. He reached even further heights of success when he went on to compete in the Olympics and won gold medals at both the 1984 Summer Olympics Games and the 1989 UCI World Road Race Championships.

LeMond embraces the spirit of competition in everything he does, staying focused on progress and achievement no matter what field he explores. This dedication has allowed him to accumulate so much wealth in his lifetime; he only uses time and effort on pursuits with potential returns.  

His financial successes are a testament to his immense talent and perseverance, proving that there’s nothing beyond reach for those willing to go out and achieve it.

Shaun White ( $40 Million Networth)

Shaun White has earned a name for himself beyond the snowboarding community. The impressive snowboarder can be credited for having a whopping $40 million net worth at the young age of 34! He earned his wealth through an incredibly successful career, making him the most decorated athlete in the Winter Olympics. From sponsorships with some of the most famous brands to a career in music, Shaun has taken advantage of his success as a professional athlete to build an impressive financial empire.

His success has enabled him to become one of today’s most sought-after motivational speakers and brand ambassadors. By setting himself apart from other athletes, it’s no surprise he reached such great heights in accumulating wealth. His fortune is admirable, inspiring others to pursue their passions and achieve greatness no matter their life stage.

Alan Pascoe ( $30 Million Networth)

Many people dream of going to the Olympics and achieving an outstanding athletic feat, but few can say they have accumulated Alan Pascoe’s success.

Pascoe was first a champion athlete himself in 1975, winning numerous medals at national and international athletics tournaments. Since then, he has made a name for himself as one of the most successful businessmen with a net worth of $30 million.

His success is unparalleled among Olympic athletes and aspirants; he proves that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. If you want to join the ranks of the rich and successful like Alan Pascoe, always remember that investing in yourself is the best investment you can make.

Scott Hamilton ( $30 million Networth)

In the world of Olympic athletes, Scott Hamilton is the clear winner. With an astonishing net worth of 20 million US Dollars, he manages to put his peers to shame. From a humble background, Hamilton went on to win four Olympic gold medals as a figure skater, and he did not disappoint with his post-Olympic career either. 

Upon retiring from competition skating, he became an influential figure in the skating industry as both an analyst and commentator for various figure skating competitions until this day. In addition to all these successes, Scott Hamilton is also an author and highly sought-after motivational speaker – a far cry from his origins as a low-income athlete. 

Truly, Scott Hamilton’s remarkable journey serves as a golden example of what hard work and ambition can achieve.

Carl Lewis ( $20 Million Networth)

The name Carl Lewis is synonymous with Olympic athletes and international sports. As a sprinter, long jumper, and athlete ambassador, Lewis earned an impressive net worth of $20 million throughout his career.

His professional career as a track and field athlete began with him taking four gold medals at the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984 – setting records for many of them. His incredible talent and hard work gave Carl golden opportunities that led him to his enviable $20 Million fortune.

The athlete has built up his successful acting, modeling, sponsorship deals, ad endorsements, and TV appearances portfolio through sheer grit and determination, making him one of the most successful sportspersons in terms of cumulative income. Carl Lewis is truly an inspiration for what resilience can fetch you!

Oksana Baiul ( $8 Million Networth)

Ukraine’s figure skater Oksana Baiul is the richest winter Olympian in history with an $8 million net worth. From her gold medal performance during the 1994 Winter Olympics to her current list of sponsors, this champion has earned every bit of that impressive financial portfolio, making her a true symbol of success.

From high-profile endorsements to a modeling career and even a musical collaboration, all have contributed to her record-breaking achievements, solidifying her place amongst the wealthiest winter Olympians in history. Oksana Baiul’s net worth is proof positive that hard work truly pays off.

Thus, to answer the question, who is the richest Olympian? According to our list, Winklevoss Brothers are the richest Olympian, with a staggering net worth of $3 billion. However, all these athletes on the list have made a name for themselves through their amazing talent and successful businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money does an Olympian get when they win a gold medal?

Most countries award their Olympians with a monetary amount corresponding to the gold medal they have won. For example, United States Olympic athletes receive an estimated $38000 for a Olympic gold medalist. Other countries may provide additional bonuses or subsidies based on the nation’s economy and other factors.

Does the victor tax apply to Olympians?

Yes, Olympians are subject to the Victors Tax, which is a tax imposed on athletes who win medals at international competitions. The current rate for this tax is 30% of any prize money won from their respective nations. This includes Olympic medals, World Championships, and other such events.

What is the best way for an Olympian to make money?

The best way for an Olympian to make money is by leveraging their success and fame. This can be done through endorsements, sponsorships, TV appearances, speaking engagements, and merchandise sales. Additionally, some athletes may choose to pursue a career in coaching or broadcasting after they retire from competition. Ultimately the key is to make the most of their fame and capitalize on the opportunities that present themselves.

Bottom Line

These athletes are a testament to the idea that achieving greatness is possible no matter your starting point in life. It’s inspiring to see how they have used their talents and skills to earn impressive amounts of wealth, something that we can all aspire to do with dedication and determination!

If you want to know more about your favarorite start or even the highest paid singers, check out our other blogs.