It is easy to assume that those at the very top of all professional sports are destined for success in their post-Olympic careers. One can easily look at successful gold medalists such as Simone Biles, Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt and the commercial success that they have enjoyed and assumed that this commercial success can be assured for many other gold medalists.
However, not all gold medalists get to enjoy the same commercial success. As a matter of fact, it turns out that silver medalists have actually become just as successful as gold medalists. This is an interesting phenomenon that is definitely worth looking into. We will do so in this piece.
These are many interesting reasons why silver medalists have garnered as much success as they have. First of all, silver medalists tend to push themselves harder. They have the motivation to push themselves because they haven’t quite reached the top yet. The silver medalist knows that he or she is one spot away from reaching the pinnacle of their spot. Knowing that there is more to be done in their journey, this will gave them the motivation to push as hard as possible until their goal is accomplished. Silver medalists are characterized as very determined individuals. They are very goal oriented.
Gold medalists are not as determined because they have already reached the summit. They may not feel the need to try so hard because their motivation may be lost because they have already reached the top.
Believe it or not, silver medalists end up becoming more successful in their professional endeavors after their athletic careers have come to an end. Numerous reported studies have suggested that silver medalists have gone to achieve greater things than gold medalists in their post-athletic careers. Silver medalists have gone to become professionals in their careers while gold medalists have primarily become semi-pros. As a result, silver medalists have gone on to earn higher wages than gold medalists due to greater advancements in their professional career.
While there isn’t a set reason for why this is the case, one theory is the decline in motivation overall once gold medalists reach the top of their respective sports. In addition, another theory is that gold medalists are hindering their own process by engaging in substance abuse because of achieving fame at such a young age. Gold medalists have to find a way to continue to find added motivation once they’ve reached the top of their sport.
There is no question that there are some unusual circumstances that can be part of the overall reason why silver medalists are more successful than gold medalists. On average, studies have suggested that silver medalists enjoy greater life expectancy. Studies have shown that 1/3rd of gold medalists live until the age of 80 years old. On the other hand, 1/2 of silver medalists live until the age of 80 years old. It is possible that the higher life expectancy enjoyed by silver medalists can be tied to the overall higher pay that they enjoy over their lifespan. In addition, silver medalists can live longer due to happiness.
While silver medalists can continue striving with a sense of direction, goal medalists may have a hard time finding purpose after reaching the top of the sport at such a young age.
Finally, silver medalists end up faring better because the media attention isn’t on them as much as gold medalists. Gold medalists are often alleged to have either cheated or have drug violations. Some gold medalists cannot handle the increased attention. On the other hand, silver medalists end up being happier because the spotlight isn’t on them at all times. Additionally, they may even get positive feedback from fans.
