Frode Estil, Olympic and World Cross-Country Champion, warns ambitious young skiers against dropping their education in favor of sports.
Even though there may be good money to make in Cross-Country, Frode Estil (31) is in no doubt when claiming: Cross-Country skiers should combine their skiing with education.
– As a skier you have plenty of time to combine skiing and education. There is quite a risk in dropping out of school for a sport where payments are based on your results. I have been a full-time skier only the last 2 – 3 years of my carrier, says the 31 year old 2002 Olympic Champion.
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/oldsitearchive/upload/040406FrodeEstilskiing.jpg width=430 height=221 border=1><br />
<BR><font size=1 face=verdana>Frode Estil</font></center><BR></p>
<p><B>From debt to surplus</B><br />
When Frode Estil won his second World Cup victory of the year in Lahti in March, he made about $12,000. The public tax records in Norway show that his net worth is about $150,000, with a yearly average income of $35,000. But it is only during the last four years that he has made any money through his Cross-Country results.<br />
– Before then I had high expenses, he says.</p>
<p><B>World cup victory makes $12,000</B><br />
A World Cup victory gives about $12,000 in prize money, second place gets about $8,000, and third place about $4,000. Tenth place is the last paid position, at about $200. In addition to this comes income from sponsor deals etc. Frode Estil estimates he made about $45,000 in 2003.<br />
– I have not added it all up yet, but 2003 was a good year for me – he is thinking of the Relay Gold Medal in the World Championship, along with bronze medals in the 15 km classical race and the 30 km mass-start race. In World Cup races he ended up 6th overall, with to second places and one third as his best results.</p>
<p><B>Money in funds</B><br />
Those who believe Estil is a skier because of money are wrong.<br />
– To become rich was never the goal, then I would have gone out for soccer. But of course, making some money is nice. My net worth is however not correct, says Estil and explains:<br />
– Some of the money counted as net worth is parts of a fund that is kept at the Norwegian Ski Association. Practically speaking, my part is between half and one-third, the rest goes towards taxes.</p>
<p><B>Teacher?</B><br />
To avoid starting from scratch after his skiing carrier is over, Frode Estil has been working towards a teaching degree.<br />
– I am almost done with my teaching education. I have taken sports and science as main topics. I only have the practical, classroom experience left.<br />
– So when the skis are put away for good, we’ll find you in the classroom teaching about your experiences?<br />
– Well, I hope for the best. It will however be hard to beat to job I have today as a skier.</p>
</div></div><!-- /btArticleContentInnerInner --><section class=)
![](https://fasterskier.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2020/09/FasterSkier-logo-sq-320x320.png)