I understand that. I have a different take on it as well. Not really sure of your point.
If those WORLD level atheletes were any good or had half a brain, they'd change discipline and go into something that paid more money if that's what they were after. I'm guessing that whatever it was they chose to do, they did for the love of it rather than the money.
I'm pretty sure that just about every player in the top leagues around the world don't have what you'd consider to be a normal life either. That's the price you pay for competing at the very top, no?
Actually the vast majority of folk i come across are extremely well educated and are awesome at what they do, but as the BBK mentioned it's all about sponsorship etc. most folk are happy sitting in there arm chair watching whatever there into buying all the merchandise that comes with it!
Also these athletes are usually hard wired to what they do, switching sports, lol isnt an option! I guess if they were shallow enough to chase the cash instead of there dreams they could succeed at football, F1, snooker, darts etc but cant really see those guys doing the same.