Swimming icon Leisel Jones has unleashed a blistering attack on International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry, following her controversial remarks that Olympic athletes should not be paid. The 40-year-old Australian swimming legend has since advised aspiring Olympians to abandon their dreams of competing in the Games due to the financial strain.
Coventry's Controversial Statement
Coventry, a former Olympic swimmer herself, sparked outrage when she stated that athletes should not receive payment and that the IOC should be free to trade off their stocks without compensating competitors. "They get beautiful venues. They get beautiful villages. They get a beautiful experience. And all of that comes from the money that we raise," she said, defending the current model.
Jones's Fierce Response
Jones did not hold back in her criticism, urging athletes to reconsider their pursuit of Olympic glory. "I would actually say to people the glory is not worth it," Jones told Triple M. "Because now the bills are so expensive I would say the Olympic Games are not worth pursuing if you're not going to pay (athletes)." She described Coventry's comments as "outrageous" and initially thought they must have been taken out of context.
Jones, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, also highlighted the harsh financial realities faced by many athletes. She revealed that former beach volleyballer Natalie Cook was nearly $350,000 in debt after winning a gold medal at the Sydney Olympics. "0.01% (of athletes) make it," Jones said. "You will be in debt for a long time."
Context of the Enhanced Games
Jones's response comes just days after the controversial Enhanced Games gained widespread attention. The event, which allows performance-enhancing drugs, has drawn ire from sports fans globally. Jones criticized the timing of Coventry's comments, noting, "We thought this is great, what a terrible time to come out and say not to pay our Olympic athletes when the Enhanced Games have just been on." She added, "We've seen athletes now jump from Olympic sports because glory doesn't pay the bills funnily enough."
Jones concluded by saying she would not encourage her own children to pursue Olympic dreams, given the financial challenges. "I don't have children myself but I would highly encourage not to go to the Olympic Games because life is expensive," she said.
