French figure skater Surya Bonaly often stunned spectators with her graceful athleticism on the ice. Though she may not have won an Olympic medal, Bonaly has had other notable successes. She took home the silver medal three times for the World Cup and, most remarkably, is the only skater to have ever done a full backflip and landed on one skate.
The amazing move now bears her name, “the Bonaly”. In 2015, she was unfortunately forced into retirement after undergoing spinal surgery. But Bonaly walked off of the rink with a net worth of $3 million.
Lindsey Vonn – $8 Million
American alpine skier, Lindsey Vonn is easily the face of women's’ professional skiing. Skiing is not known to provide a steady income, however, unless you are in the top 10. Thankfully for Vonn, skiing is at least one of the few sports in the world with equal pay between men and women.
Vonn has taken home both bronze and gold medals in the Olympic games and of course has landed many endorsement deals. She has even made a few TV appearances and overall, has done very well for herself. How well has she done? As of 2020, Vonn is worth around $6 million.
Anna Kournikova – $50 Million
Though Anna Kournikova was not a top tennis star, having only achieved a world ranking of eight, she did achieve number one in doubles, with Martina Hingis as her partner. Kournikova also won the Australian Open twice. But what really gave her public attention, was that she retired from her pro tennis career at the age of just 21.
She then went on to appear in Enrique Iglesias’ music video for his song “Escape” and reportedly has a net worth that is valued at about $50 million, despite career winnings of just over $3.5 million.
Elena Dementieva – $15 Million
Elena Dementieva is considered to be one of the best female tennis players and, though she may not have won a major tournament, she has still had success elsewhere.
Dementieva won a gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympic games for the women’s singles competition and garnered the attention that led to endorsement deals. Her retirement in 2010, with her prize money and endorsements combined, left her with a net worth of $15 million.
Holly Holm – $3.5 Million
Though Rhonda Rousey was one of the most notable, female UFC fighters in recent years, Holly Holm defeated her at UFC 193. Holm’s shocking victory over Rousey instantly turned UFC fan’s eyes towards her. She has an impressive background as both a former boxer and kickboxer, boasting an impressive 33-2-3 boxing record.
Holm has dipped her toes in other sports arenas but she has shone the brightest in the UFC world. And, though she could not hold on to her championship belt forever, she has accumulated around $4 million from her prize money and endorsements.