No pay, no gain
Olympic stars offer online lessons after games postponed
THEY were meant to be going for gold at Tokyo 2020.
But, finding themselves at an unexpected loose end, Team GB stars are offering online tuition in an Olympian quest to make a few bob.
Among them is swimmer Adam Peaty, pictured right.
The world’s fastest breaststroker and a cert for Japanese gold is holding £229-a-child tuition when lockdown lifts.
Rower Katherine Copeland, who won gold in the lightweight women’s double scull competition at London 2012 before being awarded an
MBE, is charging fans £15 an hour to join her for a workout in her living room.
She tells potential customers on the Airbnb Experiences website: “Join me with a cup of tea or cold drink as we ease ourselves in with an Olympic chat and introduction.
“My dog, Doug, will probably also make an appearance!”
Some are raising cash for good causes, like double gold medallist Alistair Brownlee.
The triathlete is asking punters to pay £50 to join him for a 90-minute training experience in his home.
All money goes to his own foundation which gives “children all over the UK a positive sporting experience and supports the development of coaches and teachers”. Meanwhile, three-time Olympic cycling gold medallist Ed Clancy runs kids’ cycling skills classes for £6.50 a session.
British sailor James Espey, from Bangor, is also using Airbnb to give hints and tips about sailboat racing for £17 an hour.
American swimming gold medalist Breeja Larson is charging £33 per hour for a “goal-setting” session, while US bobsled silver medalist Lauren Gibbs is offering a £21-anhour ‘day in the life’ experience with her.
Belgian bobsledder Elfje Willemsen is charging £14 for a 60-minute workout followed by a 30-minute Q&A session.
UK-based Chinese Olympic sailing champ Xu Lijia, who won gold at London 2012, is also charging £25 an hour for a Q&A session.
British athletes Tom Bosworth, Harry AikinesAryeetey, Christopher James Mears, Katie Ormerod and Shona McCallin are all offering to make 25-second video messages for cash on personalised greetings site Cameo.
A source said: “Most of our athletes are paid precious little so they are always looking to top up their income here and there. With Toyko on ice, what better time to offer their services?”
Join me for cup of tea as we ease in with Olympic chat
KATHERINE COPELAND GOLD MEDAL ROWER