Usain Bolt, Allison Felix or Carl Lewis: Who is the Richest Track and Field Athlete in History?

As a sport, Track and field has long been celebrated for its raw athleticism, dramatic finishes, and timeless Olympic moments.

Although the sport does not pay as much as it should compared to other sports such as soccer, American Football and pro-basketball.,  a select few athletes have still managed to transform their dominance in track and field into  enduring wealth. 

While most runners, jumpers, and throwers earn modest sums compared to footballers or basketball stars, a handful have defied the odds, building empires that stretch far beyond the track.

But to figure out who the richest track and field athlete of all time is, we have to take a look at some of the most established figures of all time in the sport in order to get a broader perspective.

Usain Bolt’s sprints not only shattered world records but also redefined the commercial potential of athletics.

 Bolt’s charisma, global appeal, and dominance in the 100m and 200m events made him a magnet for endorsements. 

With long-standing deals from Puma, Gatorade  Virgin Media and Hublot, Bolt’s brand became synonymous with speed. 

His ventures into tech (Bolt mobility), music production, and real estate further cemented his status as a business-savvy icon whose net worth rivals top-tier athletes in more lucrative sports. He is now worth an estimated 30 million USD, with his brand appeal remaining unmatched.

Carl Lewis, a legend of the 1980s and 1990s, also carved a unique path. Known for his versatility across sprints and long jump, Lewis leveraged his Olympic success into media opportunities, acting roles, and motivational speaking engagements.

 His partnership with Nike and his enduring presence in sports commentary helped him maintain financial relevance long after his final jump. He is now worth an estimated 20 million USD

In the realm of long-distance running, Mo Farah stands out not just for his Olympic double-double but for his ability to connect with audiences across continents. He is now worth an estimated 15 million USD.

His autobiography, television appearances, and endorsements with brands like Lucozade and Nike reflect a modern athlete who understands the power of storytelling and personal branding.

Pole vaulting, often seen as a niche discipline, found its commercial breakthrough through Armand “Mondo” Duplantis. 

With multiple world records and a youthful charm, Duplantis attracted global sponsors like Red Bull and Adidas. 

His rise signals a shift in how field events can command attention and investment, especially when paired with digital-era charisma. He is now worth an estimated 12 million USD.

Allyson Felix, the most decorated female track athlete in Olympic history, offers a different kind of wealth narrative—one rooted in advocacy and entrepreneurship. 

After parting ways with Nike over maternity rights, Felix launched her own brand, Saysh, championing equity and empowerment. Her journey from sprinter to CEO reflects the evolving role of athletes as cultural leaders and business innovators.

When it comes to sheer wealth, Usain Bolt remains the undisputed king of track and field. With his record-breaking performances, global endorsements, and business ventures, Bolt sprinted far beyond the track to become the sport’s first true global mogul.

Usain Bolt didn’t just dominate races—he transformed the very economics of athletics. While others chased medals, he built a legacy that continues to generate value long after the spikes were hung up.

Carl Lewis showed that longevity and versatility could lead to stability, Allyson Felix proved purpose can be as profitable as podiums, and Mondo Duplantis is redefining the commercial ceiling for field events.

But when it comes to wealth, brand power, and lasting global influence, the finish line remains clear: Usain Bolt is still out in front.