2026 Winter Olympic Athletes to Receive $10,000

1st July 2026

For the first time every athlete who competes at an Olympic Games will receive a direct payment from the International Olympic Committee of $10,000 (£7,558). The IOC says it is…
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For the first time every athlete who competes at an Olympic Games will receive a direct payment from the International Olympic Committee of $10,000 (£7,558).

The IOC says it is designed to support athletes in continuing their sporting careers or transitioning into life after competition.

The initiative is backed by a $140m (£106m) fund for each four-year Olympic cycle and will first benefit athletes who competed at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy.

“This grant will be available to every Olympian. Not just medal winners. Not just athletes from certain countries. Every Olympian,” said the IOC Athletes’ Commission Chair, Pau Gasol.

“This is about recognising the journey and the commitment it takes to become an Olympian.”

2,900 athletes competed at Milan-Cortina 2026 and it will cost around $29m (£22m).