Australian sport could look to philanthropy as athletes report financial stress

Survey shows elite athletes struggling with cost of livingSport philanthropy should match that of arts, non-profit says

Australia risks losing elite athletes before the 2032 Brisbane Olympics unless philanthropic funding can help fill a funding shortfall, according to one of the country’s leading sporting non-profits. New research from the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) shows cost-of-living pressures are increasing for elite athletes, along with challenges for their mental health.

The survey reveals the financial reality of those who aspire to represent Australia, based on responses from 604 athletes who reported they competed at international or national level. It found almost half of these elite athletes over the age of 18 earn less than $23,000 a year. The financial situation of two in five of this group had worsened in the past year, and more than half were considering leaving their sport.

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