Winning an Olympic medal is already a monumental achievement, bringing athletes immense respect, pride, and global recognition.
But did you know that many countries also provide additional incentives to their medalists? From cash rewards to houses and even livestock, nations around the world have unique ways of encouraging and rewarding their athletes.
New Homes for a Champion
On July 26, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz made history by winning the first-ever Olympic gold medal for the Philippines in the women’s 55kg category, becoming a national hero. Her victory not only brought immense pride to her country but also transformed her life. Beyond the glory, Diaz received over $600,000 in cash rewards, including contributions from the Philippine Sports Commission and even President Duterte. She was also gifted two new homes, one of which is a luxury condominium donated by a prominent businessman.
For an athlete earning a modest monthly income of $500 as a member of the Philippine Air Force, these rewards were life-changing. Remarkably, Diaz trained for the Tokyo Olympics without access to a proper gym, often sharing equipment with others, and spent 18 months stranded in Malaysia due to the pandemic while preparing for her historic win.
Stark Contrasts in Cash Rewards
The cash bonuses for Olympic medals vary significantly across countries. Nations with a long history of Olympic dominance, like the United States or Australia, often invest heavily in training and facilities rather than direct financial rewards. Meanwhile, countries with fewer Olympic successes often offer substantial bonuses to incentivize athletes.
Malaysia, for instance, pledged $241,000 for a gold medal, $150,000 for silver, and $24,000 for bronze. Despite 13 Olympic appearances, the country has only won 11 medals, making each victory a significant achievement. As of August 2, Malaysia had earned just one bronze in men’s doubles badminton at Tokyo 2020.
In contrast, medal-heavy nations like Australia offer far less. With over 500 Olympic medals in its history and more than 30 medals already at Tokyo by July 29, Australian medalists receive bonuses that amount to less than one-tenth of Malaysia’s rewards.
Luxury Cars and Housing Rewards
In some countries, athletes receive rewards beyond cash. For instance, some counties often give medalists luxury cars and housing in addition to monetary bonuses. These tangible rewards add an extra layer of prestige to their achievements.
Unusual Prizes: Cows as Trophies
In more unconventional cases, athletes have received livestock as prizes. South African rowers Sizwe Ndlovu, Matthew Brittain, John Smith, and James Thompson, who won gold in the lightweight men’s four rowing event at the 2012 London Olympics, each received a cow as a reward. This unique gift was provided by a businessman and TV chef, symbolizing the community’s appreciation for their victory.
Job Promotions, Pay Raises, and Army Exemptions
An Olympic medal can also lead to career advancements. Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who won a silver medal in Tokyo, not only received $350,000 in cash rewards but also a promotion from her employer, the Indian Railways.
In South Korea, some male athletes receive exemptions from the country’s mandatory 18-month army service as their reward. However, this exemption requires earning an Olympic medal. Two South Korean golfers, Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim, competed with hopes of earning this privilege but ultimately fell short of the podium.
Generous Rewards Across Decades
Rewarding medalists is not a new phenomenon. The practice dates back to the 1980s but has grown significantly in scale. Singaporean swimmer Joseph Schooling, who famously defeated Michael Phelps to win gold in the 100m butterfly at the 2016 Rio Olympics, received a $750,000 cash prize from his government.
For many athletes, these rewards are more than just accolades; they are a vital source of livelihood. Many competitors, especially in less-publicized sports, struggle to secure sponsorships or financial stability outside the Olympic cycle. For instance, Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, who stunned the world with two medals at Tokyo 2020, relies heavily on government funding.
A survey by the Global Athlete organization in February 2021 found that nearly 60% of elite Olympians across 48 countries did not feel financially secure. Some athletes, including those from major sporting nations like the United States, resort to crowdfunding to cover their Olympic expenses. British BMX cyclist Bethany Shriever turned to public donations after funding cuts left her unable to compete without financial support.
Pandemic Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated financial difficulties for many athletes as paid events were postponed or canceled. Despite these challenges, athletes like Hidilyn Diaz persevered. Speaking after her gold medal win, Diaz expressed gratitude and resilience, saying, “Even with the pandemic, we came here and brought the medal home.”
Her triumph is a testament to the spirit of athletes worldwide: “Nothing is impossible,” she declared. With rewards ranging from cash and houses to career opportunities, these athletes prove that hard work and determination can lead to extraordinary outcomes both on and off the podium.
