Michael Phelps was America's Olympic hero last summer, but he couldn't have won his eight gold medals without the help of his relay partner Jason Lezak, who caught France's world record holder Alain Bernard from behind to win the 4-by-100 freestyle relay.But while Phelps has become an international superstar, made millions of dollars and, more recently, become the subject of some incriminating photos, Lezak has been largely forgotten.
In fact, Lezak currently doesn't have a single sponsor, and he may have to quit swimming all together if he doesn't find one. Currently, Lezak's only source of income is the $1,750 a month stipend he gets for being part of the American swimming team. At age 33, he won't be swimming much longer, and he needs to start thinking about how he's going to make a living.
A Newsweek profile calls Lezak "America's Unemployed Olympic Hero."
"It stresses me out," Lezak told Newsweek. "But I have to keep my hopes up. ... I'm committed to swim through the summer. Then, it's like, 'Is this the right thing for me?' I'm married and I want a family."
And so Lezak is hoping some company will offer him a sponsorship deal. Nike was sponsoring him during the Olympics but has since gotten out of the swimming business. So far no other company has stepped up to fill that void.
One company that could offer to help out is NBC, which eclipsed $1 billion in advertising revenue on the 2008 Games. NBC spends billions for the rights to televise the Olympics, but it doesn't pay Lezak or other Olympians a dime. Maybe it should.
As it stands, Lezak isn't sure where his future lies. But if he doesn't find a sponsor soon, this may be his final year as a competitive swimmer.
Did You See That?
NASCAR team owner and driver Tony Stewart shoots an M4 rifle simulator as he sits in the driver's seat of a Humvee simulator during a visit to Fort Knox, Ky., Thursday, March 19, 2009. Click through for more stunning photos from the sports world.
Ed Reinke, AP
Illinois' Stan Simpson goes for a rebound during practice for the NCAA college men's basketball tournament Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Rick Bowmer, AP
GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 19: Amir Johnson #11 of the Radford Highlanders drives into Larry Drew II #11 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum on March 19, 2009 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Streeter Lecka, Getty Images
Australian cricketer Shaun Marsh, left, instructs Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez, right, in cricket batting technique Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at the Arizona Cricket Club's pitch in Gilbert, Ariz. Ramirez tried his hand at the game as part of a promotion for DirecTV's "Cricket Ticket" broadcasting package. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)
Paul Connors, AP
Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez attempts to hit a ball with a cricket bat Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at the Arizona Cricket Club's pitch in Gilbert, Ariz. Ramirez tried his hand at the game as part of a promotion for DirecTV's "Cricket Ticket" broadcasting package.(AP Photo/Paul Connors)
Paul Connors, AP
United States' David Wright slides safely into home pate as Puerto Rico catcher Geovany Soto is late on the tag in the second inning during a World Baseball Classic game in Miami, Tuesday, March 17, 2009. Wright scored on sacrifice fly by Brian McCann.
Lynne Sladky, AP
Sven Kramer of The Netherlands skates to first place to win the gold medal in the Men's 10000m at the ISU World Single Distance Speed Skating Championships at the Richmond Olympic Oval on March 14, 2009 in Richmond, Canada.
Doug Pensinger, Getty Images
Markus Rosenberg of Bremen celebrates with Pizarro (R) and Diego (L) after scoring his team's third goal during the Bundesliga match between Werder Bremen and VfB Stuttgart at the Weser Stadium on March 15, 2009 in Bremen, Germany.
Stuart Franklin, Getty Images
Bo-Ra Lee of Korea crashes as she skates in race one of the Women's 500m at the ISU World Single Distance Speed Skating Championships at the Richmond Olympic Oval on March 15, 2009 in Richmond, Canada.
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In this series of three images, Henrik Stenson of Sweden stands with his caddy Fanny Sunneson, addresses his ball from the edge of a water hazard on the 3rd hole, then emerges covered in mud up to his calves during the first round of the World Golf Championships-CA Championship at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa on March 12, 2009 in Miami, Florida (Kyle Auclair, Getty Images)
Kyle Auclair, Getty Images
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
3-20-2009 @ 8:11PM
Jim Wegman said...
he knew swimming would not last forever. get a job!
Reply
3-20-2009 @ 8:38PM
Morgan said...
Always have a Plan B. Hero one day...nobody cares the next. Nothing lasts forever including $$$$.
Reply
3-20-2009 @ 8:47PM
falcon900mech said...
A Marine Corps Corporal at the tender age of 20 makes that a month defending his country every month!! You had your moment. Go be a Marine!!
Reply
3-22-2009 @ 12:11AM
keeblersmom024 said...
Who is this person kidding? Does he really believe that the USA should pay him more than $1700+/month for swimming practice while our men and women serving overseas makes less than that? Grow a pair of b@lls and join the military. See how it is to really serve your country!
3-20-2009 @ 8:58PM
MICHELLE said...
IT IS SAD THAT YOU DID IT ALL FOR USA AND NOT FOR YOU EVERY THING YOU DO YOU SHOULD HAVE A PLAN B HANG IN THERE IT WILL GET BETTER.
Reply
3-20-2009 @ 9:15PM
Suzanne said...
Quit whining. Youhad your time in the limelight. What? You didn't plan on something when the swimming ends. Guess common sense isn't in that brain........
Reply
3-20-2009 @ 9:41PM
swmfree23 said...
As an ex-NCAA, previously nationally ranked swimmer myself, I think everyone should realize that what Jason did was possibly the best race ever won in the pool. His is nothing short of a legend and has been nothing but a great example to swimmers everywhere. He deserves to continue swimming. Swimming is a lifelong passion of every swimmer and Jason is only getting better with age.
Reply
3-22-2009 @ 12:28AM
dnvs28 said...
No one's stopping him from actual swimming.
3-20-2009 @ 10:40PM
beatlesmann said...
BOO HOO HOO POOR BABY
Reply
3-20-2009 @ 11:07PM
stewcrew85 said...
Lezak turned in perhaps the most clutch performance ever seen in Olympic competetion. That someone who inspired so many Americans can't find a sponsor is a sad reflection on Corporate America and the US Olympic organization. We need athletes like Lezak to keep the American dream alive.
Reply
3-21-2009 @ 11:01AM
splvr99 said...
I couldn't agree with you more. Some of what these other people are saying is true however...if anyone of them had trained their whole life for the olympics I doubt they would have felt the same was as they are talking now....people just don't get it...it is so damn easy for you to criticize others and tell them what they should or should not do..would be nice if the whole world is as perfect as you seem to think you are.
3-25-2009 @ 10:48AM
Jean said...
Isn't it something how football, basketball, and baseball players are treated, but when it comes to swimming, which takes so much energy and training, they are paid nothing and rely on sponsors. The other athletes get in a lot more trouble, but no one cares. People who have negative comments should try swimming for 3 or 4 hours a day.
3-20-2009 @ 11:25PM
susanna said...
The whole swim team were used just for Phelps and his chances for the golds.This is one gold he wouldn't have had if it wasn't for a team mate. Another gave up a position for Phelps so he would have a chance for the gold. I am in favor sending Phelps to service. Course as out of perportion his body is they probably couldn't fit him in cloths. Freak. This guy would probably appreciate any thing some one did for him.
Reply
3-21-2009 @ 11:06AM
joecbaseball said...
Learn how to write. You sound like an illiterate 5th grader.
3-21-2009 @ 11:09AM
joecbaseball said...
Why rip on Phelps and call him names? Go tattoo "FREAK" on your forehead and save other people time for the rest of YOUR life.
3-20-2009 @ 11:26PM
hartline6 said...
This guy should quit crying. He gets 1750 a month for swimming. What about the rest of us who are unemployed, laid off, and actually held a real job at one point. This in just another example of an athlete who wants everything handed to them on a platter.
Reply
3-21-2009 @ 12:35PM
Allison said...
To the couch potato athletes posting: Do you think a coach trains you for free or that training facilities just give you a place for free? With any sport, to continue to improve you need coaches and coaches are NOT cheap, especially when you train 6+ hours a day, 6 days a week. Throw in the cost for pool time, gym time uniforms, travel expenses, etc., and it adds up quickly. That $1750/month (before taxes) is spent fast.
Lezak's wife is probably holding down 2 jobs just to barely make ends meet. He's not lying when he says he needs more money to keep swimming. Cut the guy a break. He's earned the money.
3-20-2009 @ 11:27PM
skidmark said...
stevenmfitch
Pithy comments. Nice run-on sentences too. I doubt you have enough brains to pass the military entrance exam either.
Reply
3-20-2009 @ 11:36PM
susanna said...
Send phelps to service. He needs to learn to be greatful and respectful of other people. He wouldn't have anything if it wasn't for his team mates and his sponsers. Another one of his team mates gave up his spot for the boy so he could have a chance at another piece of gold. How he has turned out I wonder if any of them would do it over. Look at all of the race car drivers their sponsors. This poor guy would be greatful. he don't have a rich momma to take care of him or follow him around
Reply
3-21-2009 @ 11:36AM
joecbaseball said...
Susanna... STOP POSTING. Your writing makes me laugh too hard. PLEASE tell me that your lack of intelligence is a ruse and you are just an aspiring comedienne trying to make people laugh.