[unclebilly]

It’s $$$. Whenever something doesn’t make sense, follow the money trail?

China paid Ms. Gu $20M to compete for them - thanks Alan - I fact checked this, it’s a thing. They also pay about 10x more for a medal than the US does.

I think athletes deserve whatever money they can command because unlike getting a degree or trade where you can follow that line of work your whole life, and likely progressively make more and more money, athletics is a one shot deal. You get in, get paid (hopefully), you get out.