Rich and famous in Beijing

Some of the biggest and richest names in world sport will be at the Beijing Olympics, with the superstar mega-list headed by Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Lionel Messi, Yao Ming, LeBron James and Michael Phelps.

Some will be mucking in with their teammates at the Village although others are expected to stay in hotel suites more becoming of their status and financial clout.

While the Olympics will attract more than 10,000 athletes, only a handful can claim to be truly global household names, and even fewer can boast of multi-million dollar bank accounts to boot.

Perhaps the most recognisable face is Federer, the Swiss tennis machine who has dominated the sport for five years, although in China, home to 1.3 billion people, Houston Rockets centre Yao Ming and 110m hurdler Liu Xiang are bigger.

When it comes to money, the American basketball team carries perhaps the most clout.

Players like James, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwyane Wade are heavyweights of the game who have multi-million dollar salaries and all will be in Beijing.

James, or 'King James' as he is known, is one of the richest sportsmen on the planet, and, if you believe the reports, is well on his way to becoming the first billionaire athlete.

Once the Cleveland Cavaliers star made it in the NBA, he reportedly bought all of his high school basketball team a new car. And his house just outside Cleveland includes a bowling alley, a barbershop and a casino.

Bryant and his teammates are equally flush, but it will be about face in Beijing after the Americans suffered the most humbling moment in their basketball history when they lost in the semis in Athens.

It ended their three-Olympics reign as champions and they are desperate to reclaim the mantle.

"We will be Olympic champions this year," James said. "We have guys who don't want to lose – Kobe, Carmelo, Dwyane – and the guys off the bench are very good. We've got so many great players."

Federer has reigned as the No1 tennis player since 2004, which makes him not only seriously rich, but a top draw in August.

But he has indicated he will be one of those forgoing the Olympic village.

While the overall experience, including bonding with teammates from more traditional Olympic sports, is part of the attraction of the Games, being a celebrity means autograph hunters badgering you even among fellow athletes.

Federer, who lost in the finals of the French Open and Wimbledon this year, doesn't want distractions in his quest for a first-ever Olympic gold.

"It was quite difficult in Athens," he said. "Taking the bus and not being in control of my own schedule and many people recognising me in the village.

"Every time I go out to eat, people come and tap on my shoulder."

Maria Sharapova will also be in town, and is certain to be one of the most photographed competitors.

"One of the things I'm really looking forward to is the opening ceremony and walking with athletes from my country in front of thousands of people," said the Russian world No4, adding that she would love to watch some gymnastics during her stay in Beijing.

"When I was younger, I wanted to be a rhythmic gymnast," she said.

Barcelona's star striker Lionel Messi, considered by many to be the best young player in the world, will also be in Beijing, barring last minute hiccups.

Many clubs have barred players competing, but Barcelona have little choice.

Messi is 21 and clubs are obliged to release players under 23 years of age.

Yao, another from the mega-rich basketball fraternity, is huge in China and is sure to be a major focus of attention. China's richest celebrity earned some $55 million (Dh201.8m) from basketball and sponsorship activities last year alone and is perhaps the most recognisable Chinese face in the world, alongside President Hu Jintao.

Phelps isn't on the same pay scale although he will reportedly receive $1 million (Dh3.67m) from Speedo if he matches Mark Spitz' record of seven swimming golds this summer.

Regardless of his earnings power, Phelps could become the star of the show, with few other athletes in a position to win so many medals.

Another major attraction will be Athens gold medallist Liu Xiang, who has a rock-star following in China and sponsorships by Nike, Coca-Cola, Visa and host of other Chinese brands.

The world's fastest sprinters, Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay, will also be top draws, with their 100m showdown set to be one of the great moments of the Games. (AFP)



THE TOP 5 WHO WON'T BE THERE


TIGER WOODS

No1 in the world of golf, No1 in Sports Illustrated's Richest Athletes List and No2 in the Forbes Celebrities List behind Oprah Winfrey. Took in $127 million (Dh466m) last year from on and off the course activities. Woods is expected to become the first billionaire sportsperson in the world within the next two years. Reason for not being in Beijing: golf is still not an Olympic sport.


PHIL MICKELSON

The second richest sportsperson in the world also happens to be a golfer, which explains his absence in Beijing. 'Lefty' banked $62.37 million (Dh228.8m) last year, and was also ranked No20 in the Forbes Celebrity List. The popular American made $53m from endorsements, and given Tiger's absence from the rest of the PGA Tour season, should make more on the course this year.


DAVID BECKHAM

The move to LA Galaxy may have deprived his fans from seeing more of him in quality European encounters, but it helped him net $48.2 million (Dh176.8m) and move him to third in the Richest Athlete List and fifth in Celebrity List. With only three players allowed over the age of 23 in an Olympics football team, 33-year-old Beckham is not expected to make it to the England squad.


KIMI RAIKKONEN

The Finn has made the most of Michael Schumacher's retirement. A new deal with Ferrari, and the thrilling manner in which he won the Formula One world championship in the last race, helped him earn $46 million (Dh168.8m) last year. Of course, the flip side of being an F1 driver means he may never be able to take part in Olympics. No4 in the Rich List, he checked in at No37 in the Celebrity List.


FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR

Not content with his $20 million earning in purse and pay-per-view shares for his fight with Ricky Hatton, 'Pretty Boy' added another $20.3 million (Dh73.4m) from his foray into professional wrestling and endorsements. But Mayweather makes it to the list as the fifth richest athlete in the world only on the basis of his $20m WWE deal for the one-fight pro-wrestling deal.

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