One of the biggest hurdles for athletes on the Olympic path: Money
Al Jazeera
Full-time training, travel to compete, medical and most other costs for these athletes are out of pocket.
Ashley Uhl-Leavitt landed an opportunity most athletes can only dream of – a chance to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games. While this Florida-based marathon runner has run in some of the most iconic races in the world like the New York City Marathon, this is her first time to compete in the Olympic marathon.
In less than 100 days, athletes and spectators alike will converge in Paris, France, for an event synonymous with bringing the world together regardless of the calibre of global geopolitical tensions throughout the history of the modern Olympiad.
“Hundreds of thousands of people tried to get a handful [marathon] spots. It was such a long shot,” Uhl-Leavitt told Al Jazeera.
But with that blessing comes a hurdle on the track to the games. How to train and cover one’s costs.
“When I’m in marathon builds, it’s very time-consuming,” she said.
