Olympic Champion Lauryn Williams Reveals Post-Gold Struggles

For Lauryn Williams, the finish line was never the end of the race. The celebrated American sprinter and bobsledder, who made Olympic history as the first American woman to medal in both the Summer and Winter Games, discovered that even gold medals don’t guarantee a golden financial future. Her story, as detailed in recent interviews with CNBC Make It and reported by Black Enterprise, offers a candid glimpse into the often misunderstood economic realities faced by elite athletes.

At just 20 years old, Williams was living what many would consider the dream. Fresh off the track, she was earning a hefty $200,000 a year through sponsorships, thanks to her blazing speed and international acclaim. As she told CNBC Make It, “The money doesn’t go quite as far as people think it does, even though it was a pretty good living for a 20-year-old.” This income, while impressive, was quickly whittled down by the costs that come with athletic stardom—agent fees, which claimed 20% of her earnings, and taxes, which took another sizable chunk. The result? Far less security than the public might imagine.

Williams’ athletic achievements are nothing short of remarkable. She clinched an Olympic gold medal in the 4x100m relay at the London 2012 Summer Olympics and followed up with a silver as the runner-up in the women’s bobsleigh at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. Yet, as she stepped away from full-time competition, her financial situation shifted dramatically. By the age of 30, Williams found herself interning at Briaud Financial Advisors for just $12 an hour—a stark contrast to her earlier six-figure sponsorship deals.

“I was behind the ball because I was 30 years old and just starting, whereas I had friends who were already doctors and lawyers and well into their careers,” Williams reflected in her conversation with CNBC Make It. “I spent all of my 20s competing, so I felt kind of insecure that I didn’t have any real work knowledge.” The transition from world-class athlete to entry-level intern was humbling, and Williams was candid about the challenges. She faced initial rejections before finally securing a position at the firm, leveraging her impressive athletic background only after realizing her resume alone wasn’t enough to open doors in the corporate world.

Despite her historic status, Williams found that the public’s perception of post-Olympic prosperity was far from reality. “The news coverage came, but the sponsors didn’t. I made $80,000 the year I became the first American woman to medal in the Summer and Winter Olympics,” she stated. The accolades and media attention did not translate into the lucrative endorsement deals many assume come with Olympic glory. As she explained, “I get things here or there, but I can’t make a living from it.”

Williams’ experience is not unique in the world of sports, especially for athletes in less mainstream disciplines. While some Olympic headliners can secure enough endorsements and prize money to retire comfortably, the majority must plan for a second act. “There are the headliners of the Olympic Games who can organize their finances accordingly and retire comfortably. But the vast majority are going to need to work,” Williams emphasized. She highlighted that many gold-medal-winning athletes, particularly those outside of the most popular sports, often earn less than $100,000 a year after all deductions are made.

Her journey into financial planning was born out of necessity and frustration. After a series of unsatisfactory experiences with financial advisors, Williams decided to take matters into her own hands. A simple online search set her on the path to becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). It wasn’t easy—she failed the certification exam twice before finally passing in 2017. But her perseverance paid off, and she is now a CFP Board Ambassador, using her platform to educate and empower other athletes.

Williams’ firm, Worth Winning, is dedicated to helping young professionals—especially athletes—navigate the often turbulent waters of personal finance. As reported by Black Enterprise, Worth Winning aims to provide “clarity” and guidance to those who, like the 20-year-old Williams, may be earning significant sums without the knowledge or support to manage it wisely. Her mission is to ensure others don’t fall into the same traps she encountered early in her career.

Her story also underscores a broader issue: the gap between public recognition and financial reward for athletes. While fans may see the medals and media appearances, they rarely glimpse the reality behind the scenes. Williams’ candid reflections reveal that even at the pinnacle of athletic achievement, financial security is not guaranteed. Sponsorships can be fleeting, and the skills honed on the track or in the bobsled don’t always translate seamlessly into the workforce.

The lessons Williams has drawn from her own career now inform her work with clients. She cautions athletes to think beyond the immediate excitement of competition and plan for the long haul. “The money doesn’t go quite as far as people think it does,” she repeats—a mantra born of hard-won experience. Her advice is clear: proactive financial planning is essential, regardless of one’s success in the sporting arena.

Williams’ perspective is especially timely as the world continues to celebrate the achievements of athletes on the global stage. She points to examples like Carlos Yulo, the Philippines’ first male Olympic gold medalist, who may enjoy significant assets such as a $555,000 condo and sizable cash reserves. But Williams is quick to note that such security is the exception, not the rule. Most athletes, she says, face a future where work beyond sports is not just a possibility but a necessity.

Her journey from Olympic podiums to financial planning offices is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Williams has turned her own challenges into a platform for change, advocating for greater financial literacy and support for athletes at every stage of their careers. Through Worth Winning, she hopes to ensure that the next generation of champions is as prepared for life’s financial hurdles as they are for the world’s biggest sporting events.

For Lauryn Williams, the race continues—not for medals, but for the financial security and peace of mind that so often elude even the most decorated athletes. Her story is a powerful reminder that, in sports as in life, the real victories are often won far from the spotlight.