For more than a century, the Olympic Games have symbolized the pinnacle of athletic achievement. Yet while medals represent global prestige, they do not come with prize money from the International Olympic Committee. The IOC does not award cash bonuses to medalists, nor does it provide appearance fees for participation.
Instead, financial rewards are determined by each nation’s Olympic committee — and the differences are staggering.
United States: Operation gold incentives
In the United States, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee runs its “Operation Gold” program. American athletes receive $37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze, whether the medals are earned at the Summer or Winter Games.
While those figures are significant, they pale in comparison to what some nations are offering at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Singapore and Hong Kong lead the payout race
Singapore stands as the most generous country in Milan-Cortina, offering approximately $792,000 for an individual gold medal, $395,000 for silver, and $197,000 for bronze.
Despite those eye-catching numbers, Singapore’s Winter Olympic history remains limited. The nation was represented by just one athlete in Italy and has competed only once before at the Winter Games, in 2018.
Hong Kong follows closely, awarding roughly $768,000 for gold, $384,000 for silver, and $192,000 for bronze. Though it fields alpine skiers and short-track speed skaters, it has yet to secure a medal at the 2026 Games.
Europe’s most generous programs
Poland leads Europe in direct medal compensation. Gold medalists receive about $211,000, along with a Toyota Corolla, a fully furnished two-room apartment, a painting, a holiday voucher, and jewelry. Silver and bronze winners earn approximately $169,000 and $124,000, respectively, plus additional artwork and jewelry.
Host nation Italy offers around $214,000 for gold, $107,000 for silver, and $71,000 for bronze. Italy currently sits second in the medal standings with 22 total medals, including eight gold.
Norway’s different approach
Interestingly, Norway — which leads the medal table with 27 medals, including 12 gold — does not provide direct cash bonuses. Instead, Norwegian athletes receive an annual stipend of roughly $16,831 to support their training and preparation.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold, athletes chase more than podium finishes. Depending on their passport, a single golden performance could be worth nearly $800,000.