They are not "made up". Forbes has models and experts who make projections, estimates.
There was a Russian article that said she made more like 2 million last year. So Forbes might be an underestimate. Just guessing, I think it would be closer to 2 million. Hopefully a portion of that is set aside until she reaches majority.
I work in finance. My colleagues and I laugh at these Forbes' lists and other highest paid lists. It's hard projecting revenues when there is lots of publicly available info. Even then our estimates can be off quite and our models rely heavily on assumptions. If you actually read their methodology of how they came up this list, it's laughable because they rely heavily on insider "sources" and from those sources they make estimates . An owner of NBA was asked about his place on the wealthiest list, he laughed and said the magazine sends him a letter telling him what they estimate his net worth and if he would like to respond with better information. He throws away the letter and they publish it anyway.
Forbes Russia is not owned by Forbes. The Forbes name is licensed to Forbes Russia. Russian laws prevent foreign ownership of media and publishing or restrict it to 20% ownership. Forbes the website is not Forbes the magazine. The way publishing works now in the internet age is that most writers aren't full time staff. The ones who are staff writers cover important topics like international trade and the domestic economy. They're not writing fluff pieces on celebrities' and athletes' earnings. Most of these lifestyle articles on the website come from contributors who can be anybody. The quality of publishing has gone down because of the internet. Publishing companies are struggling financially, these companies need views and ads to compete with Buzzfeed, Youtube, etc. Magazines that used to be highly regarded aren't anymore. They've changed ownership several times, and each time sold for less money. The name stays the same, but the editors and publishers are totally different.
That 2 million came from ESPN website. Here's how that number is "made up". In finance, we call it finding "comparables". Here's an example with made up numbers,they look at Serena Williams, thanks to their "inside sources", it's rumored that Nike pays her 10 million. Serena has 10 million instagram followers, therefore each follower is worth $1. Zagitova has 500K followers therefore her Puma endorsement is worth $500K. If you think I'm exaggerating, well, in the fine print of their website they specifically said that's how they came up with Yuzuru's earnings.
Lastly, the average monthly salary in Moscow is 1,000 USD, so 12K/year. If Alina is making 500K-2 million USD, she could easily afford to have her mom, dad, and sister live with her in Moscow, but she lives with Grandma in some tiny apartment. Yes, she gets salary for being on the national team, a pension for being an Olympic champion,and she is moving to a new apartment but Russia is not swimming in money. The Russian economy is stagnant with economic sanctions and depressed oil and gas prices. I have no doubt Alina earns good living by Russian standards, she most likely earn quite a bit more than her parents but a top figure skaters is by no means a global celebrity.
You guys are overestimating the value what it means to be an ambassador or spokesperson for a company. In the era of internet influencers, companies spread their advertising dollars to as many sources as possible, the top get paid a ton, the rest get mostly free stuff. Show me the Shiseido contract is more than a just a press gathering when she happens to be in Japan or a makeup artist doing her makeup at skating events. I want to see an actual ad compaign. Show me a Puma campaign, that's more than few posters at a store in Moscow or short internet video.
With all that being said, here's where I think things will interesting over the next few years with Eteri's girls. 1. The prize money is much bigger than at the junior level(although it's much smaller than other sports). 2. Med has Nike, Alina has Puma, Trusova has Addidas. That leaves Alyona or Anna without one, is there room enough for these two let alone the next juniors to get a apparel deal. 3. The Olympics - there is only 1 gold medal. These girls have seen the difference in Olympic gold vs silver. Less than point separated Alina and Med. Alina became the new darling of Russia and Japan. Med exiled to Canada. If Med would have won, who do you think Shiseido would have as their ambassador, who do you think the Japanese shows would offer more money? Who's getting the VIP treatment from the Japanese TV shows. The 3As got a taste of it this summer. It pays to be the winner and there is only one gold medal.
Trusova's baby brother is right. You have tear your competition to pieces.
Her shyness makes her especially charming, although I'm afraid she'll soon get over it.
