The Mallard Creek alumna is competing in the US Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon

The path to a second Olympics hasn't been easy for Gabbi Cunningham .

Driving the news: The Mallard Creek and NC State alumna is competing in the US Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, which begin June 21.

• Cunningham will compete in the 100m hurdles — the event she ran at the Tokyo Games in 2021.

What they're saying: The 26-year-old told Axios her challenges include multiple injuries, coaching changes and finding income while she trains for Paris.

• "We don't get paid for the Olympics. A lot of athletes I know have to work jobs and try to train at the same time."

Zoom in: Track and field will be the first sport to pay gold medalists, but the majority of athletes rely on prize money from competitions, appearance fees or sponsorships from sports apparel companies.

• Cunningham recently launched a Fan Fund on Grandstand, a platform self-described as Patreon for athletes.
• She said she noticed that her peers weren't always compensated fairly when they shared viral content on social media during the Tokyo Olympics.
• "[Social media] gets you publicity, but it doesn't get you paid."

The Charlotte native says she'd like to partner with local organizations during this Olympic cycle and throw out the first pitch at a Knights game.

• Also when she's back in Charlotte, her favorite restaurants are Original Pancake House, Superica and Midwood Smokehouse.

What's next: Catch Cunningham in the US Track & Field trials on NBC and Peacock. See the schedule here.

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