They've given up much of their lives to spend hours in the water, putting their bodies through gruelling training sessions in the hopes that they can beat records and be among the world's best swimmers.
But as well as achieving Olympic and World Championship glory, some particularly talented swimmers get to enjoy another benefit: a rewarding bank balance.
While ascending to the dizzying heights of their chosen sport, many notable swimmers cash in on their personal brand to do endorsements for big-name companies - some even manage to turn their hand to investing and entrepreneurship.
And, after retirement, they might start a new career as motivational speakers, commentators or entertainers, all of which continue to pad their wallets long after they swim their last lap.
Here are five of the richest swimmers in the world right now, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
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5. Caeleb Dressel
Estimated net worth: US$5 million
Seven-time Olympic gold medallist Caeleb Dressel has confirmed that he'll be taking part in the Paris Olympics later this year. The swimmer, 27, excels in freestyle, breaststroke and butterfly, with his adaptability in the water drawing comparisons to swimming great Michael Phelps.
His endorsements include deals with Speedo, Toyota, Hershey's and Coca Cola, per Sportskeeda. Dressel is married to his high school sweetheart Meghan; the two welcomed their first child together earlier this year.
Katie Ledecky
Estimated net worth: US$5 million
At just 27 years old, Ledecky is already considered one of the most successful female swimmers of all time. She racked up seven gold medals - and three silvers - over three Olympic Games, making her the most decorated woman in swimming history.
Adding to her medal count is the Presidential Medal of Freedom that US President Joe Biden recently awarded her with. "I know this is a national kind of award, but to me it feels almost local. I get to come home for this for a couple of days. This is my community," Ledecky commented, per the New York Post.
Michael Phelps
Estimated net worth: US$100 million
Michael Phelps - "arguably the greatest Olympian ever", per the Olympics website - has 28 medals, 23 of which are gold - more than double the number of his closest rivals. No other athlete has come close to achieving the Olympic success that Phelps has.
According to economic media company Capitalism.com, the swimming sensation continues to make around US$10 million from endorsements after hanging up his Speedo - for the second time. Some of his lucrative partnerships include deals with Beats by Dre, Subway, Omega, Visa, Under Armour and Wheaties.
