Lack of sponsorship, relying on the government, competing at high levels and hoping for good health. It’s the reality many elite athletes in Bermuda face once they graduate from their university’s health coverage or are taken off their parents health insurance. When financial support is low, health insurance coverage doesn’t quite make the podium.
“Honestly, it does affect me mentally,” says one of Bermuda’s top athletes who asked to be quoted anonymously. “I can’t train freely or willingly. I have a slight hesitation because if I feel something I have to be genuinely conscious. And my coaches can’t train me as much as they want because financially it’s not going to benefit them if I am not covered.”
Some of Bermuda’s elite athletes rely solely on the Government of Bermuda or the Bermuda Olympic Association for funding. And this year, due to the general election, some athletes did not receive the government’s Elite Athlete Scholarship funding that was due in February, 2025 — before the election was called. However, since the budget was not approved, the money hasn’t been allocated. Athletes were told to wait until June.
A couple of elite athletes say that the government has been financially supportive of their careers and they are incredibly grateful.
“This waiting period is just a consequence of an election”, says an elite athlete who applied. However because of the wait, most will have to reapply for the Elite Athlete Sponsorship once the funds are allocated. Until then, some will pay out of pocket or cancel meets.
Recently, Shadow Minister, Ben Smith who is also a national coach for swimming in Bermuda vocalized that the government should “create a programme that provides health insurance support to elite athletes in exchange for service to the community.”
Claiming that as a government:
“We must not allow financial inequality to dictate athletic success. Bermuda has invested in these young people through schools, clubs, and national programs. To lose that investment because of systemic gaps is not only inefficient — it is unjust.”
But for many athletes, the time for statements has long passed.
Another elite athlete shares that this is a discussion that has been going on for years and now that the shadow minister wrote this piece — what actions is he going to take next?
“I don’t think anyone will disagree with him (Ben Smith), but what good is that article without action? Everyone needs money,” says the anonymous elite athlete, “what the minister is saying isn’t a big revelation. He should have called out all the associations, private companies, insurance companies and others who can support the initiative. In a political playground, he’s not getting any points telling us 2+2 =4. We know it’s an issue, what partners are willing to come on board and solve it?”
About two years ago a small survey went out to about 15 elite athletes to gauge whether they would utilize health insurance coverage. Their suggestions were to lower the cost of health insurance for elite athletes. The big takeaway was that if something was available, the athletes would use it.
In a country where a single sports injury abroad could lead to thousands in medical bills, hope becomes a training strategy. Some athletes pin the future of their health on shoe contracts, because they pay for medical expenses. Others relocate to countries with universal healthcare like the UK (United Kingdom). While a few elite athletes will continue to work part-time/ full-time while training – solely for health insurance.
Like most competing for individual sponsorship on this island, it’s oddly non-existent. Even Bermuda’s most celebrated athletes — past Olympians, recent Olympians, Commonwealth medallists — have rarely secured local, individual sponsors. One athlete shares their skepticism:
“I don’t think businesses want to back individuals. They’ll support a team or a programme, but not a person.”
Many organizations need financial support. Everyone deserves affordable health care. This issue is not a revelation, but it is still an ongoing struggle for some of Bermuda’s elite athletes. Athletes who travel all over the world, compete with Bermuda on their backs because they want to — not because they have to — and hope to never receive a medical bill from a foreign country.
But the reality is, not all injuries can be solved with ice.
