I have an old friend who was training years ago as an Olympic skier. Had been skiing since I met him, and that was around 5-6 years old. Lives in Colorado now and his biggest gripe with it was, he never received a gov't penny towards training. According to him, if you make the cut and are a "chosen one" to perform for and represent your country, you MIGHT get your travel covered, That's it. I never actually thought much about that and don't know if there is a shred of truth to it, but hey.... sounds like the American way, so I wouldn't doubt it.

And ya know, still, I don't care. Let some kids play their reindeer games. Doesn't effect me one way or the other.