PremiumKaitlyn MorrellMultimedia journalist ·Bay of Plenty Times·11 Aug, 2026 06:00 PM5 mins to readElijah Fonotia (left), Sam Ruthe (centre, with father Ben), and Kelly Brown (right) are high-performing athletes navigating the significant costs of competing at an elite level. Photos / Steve McArthur & PhotosportA six-figure family investment, 40-hour work weeks alongside training, and years of fundraising.Those are some of the hidden costs behind young New Zealand athletes pursuing opportunities on the world stage.
Whether it’s basketball in the United States, rowing at Oxford or competing against the world’s best runners, athletes and
