Olympic medal winners from the United States in Paris had the opportunity to ascend the podium and receive payment upon their departure.
The United States is one of the few nations offering cash bonuses for medals of any color won at the 2024 Games. Additionally, World Athletics, the international governing body of track and field, will give gold medal winners extra money. For a particular sport, it’s the first time a global body has taken this action.
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee awarded $37,500 for each gold medal won by an American, $22,500 for each silver, and $15,000 for each bronze. The precise amounts of the proposed reimbursements in Paris have not yet been disclosed.
$50,000 is awarded to the champions of individual track and field events by World Athletics, and another $50,000 is divided between teammates who place first in a victorious relay.
The greatest American track and field haul was expected to belong to U.S. sprint standout Gabby Thomas, who ran legs on two winning relays and claimed solo gold in the women’s 200-meter race.
Off the track, swimming teammate Regan Smith and gymnast Simone Biles shared three gold medals between them. Huske also earned five total medals to Biles’ four.
Numerous American athletes, such as sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson and Biles, benefit from large sponsorship agreements with different businesses. For instance, it is said that Richardson and Nike have reached an agreement worth millions of dollars and several years.