> What is the economic output? Entertainment as far as I can tell. For a few days every four years. That's not a good return on the time invested. I‘d guess th

> What is the economic output? Entertainment as far as I can tell. For a few days every four years. That's not a good return on the time invested. I‘d guess the vast majority of Olympians do compete in other events outside the Olympics and do provide more entertainment than just once every four years. The Olympics don‘t pay the bills, but other events do. And many athletes are effectively employed by their countries, be it as soldiers, border guards or through some kind of sports support system.