United States swimming star Katie Ledecky is forsaking an estimated $6.7m in endorsements to attend college.
The 19-year-old won four golds and a silver at the Rio Olympics, but she is resisting the temptation to turn professional and reap massive financial rewards to carry on her education.
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She will start her freshman year at Stanford University soon.
"I've always wanted to swim collegiately and have that experience," Ledecky told ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike show.
"I think it is going to be a lot of fun to be on a team with some really great friends and great swimmers and also just go to class with them.'"
Bob Dorfman, a sports marketing expert, told ESPN that Ledecky "'could command as much as US$5 million ($6.6 million) Â annually in endorsement income by turning pro, especially given that at just age 19, she has the opportunity to win gold in two, or even three more Olympic Games".
"Obviously, the challenge is maintaining high visibility during non-Olympic years, but with her personality and likeability, combined with the ever-growing influence of social media, the potential for longer-term deals is there," he said.
Ledecky became the first woman since 1968 to win gold in the 200m, 400m and 800m freestyles in the same Olympics. She set new world records in the latter two races.
Ledecky's uncle is businessman and New York Islanders owner Jon Ledecky.
Stuff.co.nz
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