Professional sport: when the game doesn’t pay
Summary
This episode examines the financial struggles of Irish elite athletes, noting that top Sport Ireland funding has remained stagnant at €40,000 since 2006. Guests Afrik Kyo and Olympic swimmer Tom Fannin discuss the high costs of training and living, which often force athletes to rely on family support. They also outline proposals to extend tax reliefs to all Olympic sports to better recognize and support the nation's top performers ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Topics discussed
Introduction: The gap between medals and funding
Afrik Kyo on the reality of athlete finances
Costs of competing: Boats, rent, and relocation
Explaining the 'carded' athlete funding tiers
How increased state investment supports high performance
Tom Fannin on career longevity and bottom-tier funding
Daily training schedules and the inability to work
Reflections on Paris 2024 and optimism for LA 2028
The financial pressure of living in Dublin
Planning for life after elite sport
The sacrifices required to pursue Olympic dreams
Athletes Commission proposals for tax relief
Expanding sportsperson tax relief to all Olympic sports
The difficulty of securing sponsorship deals
Afrik Kyo's retirement and adjustment
Tom Fannin's path to qualifying for LA 2028
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