In fact: A study published in January 2019 by the Cologne Sports University determined the income of a total of 1,087 top athletes surveyed, who, among other things, made up the vast majority of the German Olympic squad for the Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro 2016 and the Winter Games in Pyeongchang 2018. The result: The athletes had to get by on an average of 1,560 euros per month. This is one of the reasons why many athletes receive state funding, which was not taken into account in the study.
Things look a little better for athletes who have signed up for the Bundeswehr, Federal Police or customs. They should earn around 2,500 euros a month, according to the federal government’s response to a request from MP Britta Dassler (FDP) in 2019.
The swimmer Angelina Köhler, who became world champion in the 100 meter butterfly last year, said afterwards: “I think it can’t be the case that people watch the ‘Summer House of the Stars – Battle of the Celebrity Couples’ (TV show on RTL, note. d. Red.) Win 50,000 euros and athletes who win a gold medal at the Olympic Games only 20,000 euros.”
German handball players are not dependent on such obligations as those with the Bundeswehr or funding for their salaries – even if, unlike footballers, they have not provided for generations.