Ronda Rousey, a former UFC star and current top WWE wrestler, won the first-ever Olympic medal for the United States in Judo at the 2008 Beijing Olympics – a bronze medal, to be precise.
Unfortunately, such a feat did not guarantee a comfortable future for her, despite the recognition and prize money. Rousey found herself homeless and working as a bartender soon after the games concluded.
It takes considerable time and effort for athletes to get ready for competitions, with major events like the Olympics requiring years of preparation and culminating in a quest for highly coveted medals.
However, achieving success in such endeavors may not always translate into a smooth sailing life for the athletes involved.
Rousey detailed her post-Olympic experiences in her book, My Fight/ Your Fight. After winning the medal, she found herself working as a bartender and eventually had to leave her mother’s house.
With nowhere else to go, she spent several days living out of her car before finally securing a lease on a rundown apartment.
Ronda Rousey: Difficult Times
Although Ronda Rousey is usually always prepared to fight. She faced challenging times that surely tested her resilience after her Olympic victory. Rousey took a hiatus from Judo as the intensive training and competitive pursuit were taking a toll on her happiness.
She desired a respite, wishing to deviate from the routine and lead an ordinary life with a pet dog. However, amidst all of this and her employment, Rousey neglected to attend a community program, much to the disappointment of her mother.
In her book she mentioned, “I had a knot in my stomach. I couldn’t answer her. She was fucking pissed. Mad enough that I didn’t want to go home. I drove to Hollywood and went to a bar. I drank by myself and realized that I couldn’t go back to my mom’s house. But I had nowhere else to go.I am a homeless Olympic medalist, I thought to myself.
After spending some time on her own, Ronda held down three jobs as a cocktail waitress and bartender at various establishments. Despite her busy schedule, she managed to adopt an Australian Mastiff and used a portion of her earnings, roughly $35 from each shift, to provide for her beloved pet.
In her free time, Rousey indulged in food and drink to her heart’s content. Eventually, she transitioned to the UFC and carved out a successful career in MMA before ultimately shifting her focus to WWE.
Rousey’s followers recognize her for her unapologetic demeanor. These life experiences have shaped her into the remarkable athlete she is today.
In your opinion, was taking a break from Judo the correct decision for Rousey?
Please share your thoughts.
