Sarah Robles, a 5'10" 275 pound Olympic weightlifter, is living at the poverty level just to survive and complete in her sport. Meanwhile, Australian runner Michelle Jenneke is getting a lot more 'screen time' due to her unique warm up routine (http://mashable.com/2012/07/19/worlds-sexiest-pre-race-routine/). Now I have no idea how Jenneke lives or what her situation is, and I'm not disrespecting her or her talent at all – but – she has a much better shot at sponsorship deals after the torch is out because she is considered 'easier on the eyes'.
From the article:
These endorsements can be worth six figures or more — like Michael Phelps’ $1 million deal to be a spokesman for Mazda in China — or they can compensate athletes with free equipment or products.
Every Olympian needs money to get to the games – to train, to travel, to live on, to support their family. It's not cheap. I get that. I just wish we lived in a world where talent was rewarded just as equally as appearance. I'm sort of hoping for a Kickstarter (she has a blog & donate button! http://prettystrongblog.blogspot.com/ and yes, I donated!) for Sarah so I can throw some cash in to help her on her quest post-Olympics to become a PE teacher and role model for girls in sports.
I hope some brand like PowerBar or GNC steps up to the plate and invests in athletes like Sarah that show that talent doesn't come only in one size.
EDIT:
Sarah gets a sponsor – http://thinkprogress.org/media/2012/07/16/527311/victory-olympic-weightlifter-sarah-robles-gets-a-sponsor/
Follow Sarah:
Sarah's Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/sarahroblesfanpage
Sarah's Twitter – https://twitter.com/roblympian
Sarah's Blog (DONATE BUTTON!!) – http://prettystrongblog.blogspot.com/
The Science of Weightlifting: http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/weightlifting/science-of-olympics-mechanics-of-weightlifting.html
Show her some love!!!!
Embedded Link
The Strongest Woman In America Lives In Poverty
Sarah Robles is ranked higher than any other American weightlifter, male or female. She's the best hope the U.S. has at an Olympic medal in the sport — but she struggles to pay her rent.
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That is not right. I also hope she gains exposure and endorsements from this. Go Sarah!
I think we'd all get behind her sponsor!
She needs a medall!
I don't disagree with you. However sex sells. It boils down to our subconscious reaction to various body types. Stuff that is hardwired into our brains at the most basic instinctual level. The Strongest Woman in America will simply not attract as much attention in a crowded room as the Australian runner. Also the track is a much more popular event than women's power lifting. The companies will always endorse the image that will give them the greatest return on investment. It's not fair, but it is nature.
I agree…..
Awesome story.
With all the millions being spent and flown around during the Olympics you would think that they would help fund athletes who need it kind of like financial aid for college. Instead they employ thousands of copyright cops to patrol the streets looking for infringement.
So strong man, bravo
I hope she does well and the fact is that she is closer to the body shape of the majority of Americans than the athletes that get most of the sponsorships.
I am glad that at least the australian won the race, however it sends the wrong signal
gr8t
http://thinkprogress.org/media/2012/07/16/527311/victory-olympic-weightlifter-sarah-robles-gets-a-sponsor/ Seems she did get herself a sponsor! WOOO
great, and it is an internet media company ho ele knows the power of social media better 🙂 Thanks for sharing
I wouldn't want to piss her off.
She should learn to master the productive art of knocking a white ball into a hole with a stick. Look at Tiger Woods. The guy contributes absolutely zero to society and rakes in hundreds of millions. Makes no sense.
Proof that bacon is a super food…..
Well guest what some lawyer do the same make alot of money but the profession doesn't contribute too society.
I’m in love with @Solvemedia for getting behind Sarah. Brilliant for both!
Wow! Deleting thoughtful well-spoken comments just because they don't match your view. That's very mature!
+Mark Garrett did a comment of yours disappear? Sometimes things get flagged by others & the system eats them. If you have the comment someplace still, try reposting it 😉 thanks!
+Lynette Young Nah. Not worth my time. I'm obviously in the minority on this. Please consider my anger directed at the individual that flagged my original comment and not at yourself.
dang she strong