I don’t know about you, but it seemed as if every one of my friends participated in swimming while growing up, with their parents figuring it was probably the safest way to stay active and be a part of a team. And, after seeing how much the richest swimmers in history have earned, my friends would have been smart to stuck with the activity. Although few athletes in the sport become huge, there have been some exceptions, and I’m sure you’ll recognize the names of some of the best-paid over the years.
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10. Jennifer Elisabeth Thompson – $1 million
Participating in four Olympics during her career, former swimmer Jenny Thompson proved to be quite the competitor. Totaling 12 medals, eight of which were gold, Thompson was had a long career that saw her go from one of the youngest champions to one of the oldest, as she was the eldest member on the 2000 Athens swim team. Earning $1 million during her career, it’s clear that she enjoyed great success.
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9. Krisztina Egerszegi – $2 million
Her name might be difficult to both type and say, but Hungarian swimmer Krisztina Egerszegi is one of the best Olympians ever. In three Olympics, she won seven total medals, including five gold, and still holds the record for the 200-meter backstroke event, where she earned four of her golds. A Hall of Famer, Egerszegi totaled $2 million in her career.
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8. Kristin Otto – $4 million
Arguably the greatest German swimmer ever, Kristin Otto won six gold medals during the only Olympics that she ever competed in in 1988, becoming the first and only to accomplish the feat of six golds in one Games. With a few other honors to her name, Otto went on to earn $4 million in her career.
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7. Shane Gould – $6 million
One of the great, female Australian swimmers ever, Shane Gould became an Olympic champ at the age of just 15, earning five total medals, which included three gold, during the 1972 Games. Retiring at age 16, Gould was still earned a variety of honors and totaled $6 million from her short time in the pool.
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6. Matt Biondi – $8 million
A former American swimmer who, at the time, set both Olympic and World Championship records in a variety of events, Matt Biondi ended his career with 11 Olympic medals, including eight golds. Named the Male Swimmer of the Year twice by Swimming World Magazine and inducted into the Hall of Fame, Biondi is a legend who earned $8 million during his days.
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5. Diana Nyad – $10 million
While most of the swimmers on this list are names that are associated with Olympic success, Diana Nyad’s is one that has never seen a leaderboard on the sports biggest stage. That doesn’t mean she hasn’t made a great living in it, though, as she has earned $10 million over a 30-plus year career that has seen her break numerous world records for long-distance swims, including her trek from Havana to Key West in 2013.
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4. Ian Thorpe – $12 million
The most successful Australian swimmer ever, Ian Thorpe also proved that he was one of the top performers in the world, too. Named the Swimmer of the Year for his country from 1999-2003, Thorpe retired and made a comeback five years later to compete in the 2012 Olympics, where he tried to earn another medal to the five he already held. Unfortunately, he didn’t medal, but didn’t hurt his legacy in competing.
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3. Ryan Lochte – $13 million
Love him or hate him, swimmer Ryan Lochte is an absolute star. Sure, he may be battling some financial problems now, allegedly, but Lochte saw his celebrity grow immensely following the 2012 Olympics, with him getting more marketing deals and, yes, his own show. For all that he does—and the one-liners that he says—Lochte has earned $13 million.
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2. Mark Spitz – $20 million
One of the most decorated Olympians in history, former swimmer Mark Spitz held the record for most Olympic gold medals before it was broken by Michael Phelps in the 2008 Games. Still, Spitz is often seen doing appearances and such, and, thanks to such a fantastic career, he has earned $20 million.
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1. Michael Phelps – $55 million
Thanks to his record Olympic medals in both gold and overall, swimmer Michael Phelps is the undisputed champion of the swimming game. In addition to his success in the pool, Phelps continues to make waves through celebrity appearances and marketing deals, working with brands such as Subway, Hilton Hotels and Under Armour, among others. For that reason, he has earned an insane $55 million.
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