"Former Olympians also get paid to make appearances. Many of them won their medals in an era when Olympic success didn't go hand-in-hand with financial success"

In this quote, previous Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton highlights the financial opportunities offered to retired Olympians. She describes that these professional athletes are frequently paid to make appearances, meaning they are made up for going to events or speaking engagements. This is a method for them to continue earning earnings after their competitive professions have actually ended. However, Retton likewise acknowledges that this was not always the case. In the past, Olympic success did not necessarily ensure monetary success. This could be due to an absence of recommendations and sponsorships readily available to athletes, or a focus on amateurism in the Olympics. Retton's words shed light on the altering landscape of Olympic sports and the capacity for monetary stability for retired athletes.