You would think that for a guy who has been an Olympian, Freddie Crittenden III would be good at everything else. But now and then, life has a way of humbling people, and this time, it was through a middle schooler.

“So, funny story,” started off the athlete on his Instagram reel. “I’m introducing myself to the kids, letting them know who I am. Obviously, I bring up track and field. They get so excited at first. And then they do their in-house calculating, and then they always end up at the same question like, ‘ Mr. If you went to the Olympics, why are you here?'”

And in the caption, Crittenden said, “Nothing more humbling than a middle schooler asking you why you’ve made the life choices you’ve made. Fun fact, my friend. Pro athletes (most at least) retire…….. and still gotta get a job. Especially when gas is $5 a gallon.”

Freddie Crittenden is done with his professional track career, but retirement has pushed him into choosing another work to put his mind to. The former American Olympian is now teaching middle school, earning income beyond the sport. After years chasing medals, his mornings now begin somewhere far from the starting blocks.  

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That change shows how quickly an athlete’s identity can shift, especially without competitions. 

Crittenden’s situation is not unusual because track rarely provides athletes guaranteed long-term financial security. Before reaching Paris, he worked at GameStop, in warehouses, as a substitute teacher, and at G Road. He kept those jobs because training and competing could not cover everyday expenses, at least not in this economy.  

Even reaching the Olympics did not make his financial future secure. 

Track athletes usually depend on sponsorships, appearance fees, prize money, and grants to keep competing. In 2026, Diamond League winners receive $10,000, while Diamond+ winners receive $20,000. The season’s total prize pool was around $9.24 million. But winning the money remains the least of their concerns.  

After all, athletes must handle their coaching, travel, medical costs, and equipment on their own. 

That pressure has shaped track and field’s money debate for years, especially among athletes outside of top stars.  

So, despite being an Olympian, his career now includes questions about his financial plans. His experience shows why one Olympic appearance cannot guarantee a comfortable life for athletes, especially after retirement. 

Now, the races have stopped, but Crittenden still needs income as his life moves on.  

Rising prices across America make depending entirely on past athletic earnings and sponsorships even harder for retirees. In June 2026, US consumer prices were still 3.5% higher than the year before. For athletes, retirement can come before they have enough money saved for life after sport.