According to SOK's figures, which are based on annual incomes for Swedish athletes who were part of Topp och Talang in the years 2019-2021, an average of 16 percent live below the subsistence minimum.

This means that, according to the Kronofogden's definition, they have an income that is at the lowest economic standard of living. 

The percentage could also be significantly higher.

In order to make ends meet, a majority of Top and Talent athletes receive a scholarship via SOK.

Some also receive other types of elite sports scholarship.

Excluding these financial supports, according to SOK's report, nearly half (44 percent) would live below the subsistence minimum. 

"Didn't really think it was like that"

Anton Dahlberg, Olympic athlete in sailing, is a part-time employee at the SOK and the one who, together with the statistician Anton Kalén, has carried out the survey.

He was surprised when he saw the numbers.

- It is clear that scholarships are important to many.

Absolutely crucial for some.

And I didn't really think it was like that, he says.  

Dahlberg's contribution to the investigation has been in-depth interviews with 20 of the athletes in question.  

- There are those who make a lot of money from their sport, and of course it's great fun.

But then there are those who work under the radar.

They put in the same effort, but still have completely different conditions.

They love what they do.

They don't whine.

But they don't get paid either.

It can be tough.

Ending up outside the security system

A problem highlighted is that the scholarships are not pensionable or part of the social insurance system.

According to the survey, many of the interviewed athletes also find it difficult to enter the housing market.  

What kind of solutions would you like to see? 

- I think there are different paths.

One is that, for those who have the hardest time, there will be slightly higher scholarship levels.

The second is to find contract solutions that make it easier in terms of work.

Then I also think that the athletes must become part of social insurance.

You are a bit outside the system.

If you want to take out a loan for a home, you may not be able to, for example, says Anton Dahlberg.