It's not a great business model as an athlete though is it now? Not really going to build up a following when you do it once every 4 years, or maybe only once. And unless you're in a prestigious event like the 100m sprint you're closer to a clown entertainment role wise, swinging your ball on a string or whatever.

Sure, an actual clown will get paid a tad better than zero by their circus, but they don't have the upside of a potential lucrative clown shoe sponsorship deal if they win.

TL;DR: these athletes knew the deal before they went in, and shouldn't act victim when they have to show their butts on only fans because their gamble didn't land.