11.   Rural interests argue that the state needs to pave highways, repair bridges and upgrade school buildings before spending tax money on millionaire athletes and team owners.

12.   The task of being the president of any union made up of millionaire athletes has historically been thankless.

13.   Top athletes are given favored treatment by the communist government, but salaries and living standards pale beside those of millionaire athletes abroad.

14.   Smirnov, an IOC vice president, is also a staunch opponent of millionaire athletes living outside of Olympic village.

15.   The Jamaican-born millionaire athlete has come under fire recently for not taking a full enough interest in his children.