As someone who knows a couple athletes headed to the Olympics this summer: there is essentially no direct taxpayer support for Olympic athletes in the U.S.
The U.S. Olympic Committee was created by Congress and given exclusive right to the Olympic marks in the U.S. (the rings, flag, name, etc)--that is the extent of the federal govt. support.
Most of the USOC's revenues come from Olympic mark licensing deals, and other corporate sponsorships. There are some personal and foundation grants too. It's all private cash though.
The U.S. Olympic Committee was created by Congress and given exclusive right to the Olympic marks in the U.S. (the rings, flag, name, etc)--that is the extent of the federal govt. support.
Most of the USOC's revenues come from Olympic mark licensing deals, and other corporate sponsorships. There are some personal and foundation grants too. It's all private cash though.