2024 Olympic Prize Money by Country

Imagine yourself, after years of sweat and sacrifice, standing on the Olympic podium with a gold medal around your neck. You’re on top of the world, the national anthem is playing, and you’re wondering… “How much is that medal really worth?” If you’re an athlete from Hong Kong or Singapore, the answer might be “a lot more than you thought.” Get ready to discover the best-kept secrets of Olympic prize money around the world, where winning a medal can literally change your life. Hold on tight, because some of those sums might just make you want to start training again tomorrow!

Big Prize Money: The Olympic Jackpot

Hong Kong, that little slice of financial heaven, doesn’t mess around when it comes to sporting rewards. Winning a gold medal earns you €700,000, or about $707,000. Enough to buy a nice residence overlooking Victoria Harbour or even consider early retirement.
In Singapore, a gold medal is worth €650,000. With that, you could easily become the Prime Minister’s neighbour, or at least afford an HDB (luxury apartment).
Taiwanese athletes are not far behind, with a bonus of €550,000 for a gold medal. A sum that would make even Swiss bankers blush.
In Malaysia, Olympic gold is worth €198,000, with a bonus of a monthly allowance for life of around €350 to €1,000. A sweet way to say “thank you” while ensuring your old age.
Italy offers €180,000, while Lithuania offers €168,000, with additional benefits such as rent payment. Enough to make these countries dream destinations for ambitious athletes.

Intermediate Olympic bonuses: between prestige and reward.

Serbia rewards its champions with €200,000, and a national pension. A great incentive to aim for gold.

India offers €193,000, and Morocco follows closely with €186,000. Substantial bonuses for countries in full sports emergence.
Ukraine offers €116,000, while Spain offers €94,000. Sums which, although more modest, remain powerful motivations for athletes.

Modest Olympic bonuses: When gold is not always synonymous with wealth.

France recently increased its prize money to €80,000 for gold, €40,000 for silver, and €20,000 for bronze. A nice recognition for national sporting efforts.
Poland offers €60,000 with various benefits, while Switzerland offers €52,000, about $55,000. More modest prize money, but still appreciable.

No Olympic prize money: When glory is enough.

Countries like Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand do not pay any prize money for Olympic medals. For these nations, the glory of representing their country is the ultimate reward.

So, no matter the amount, each gold medal represents years of effort and sacrifice. For some, it is worth a fortune, for others, it is a symbol of national pride. And you, which country would you choose to shine in the Olympic spotlight? The 2028 Olympic Games are approaching, and with them, perhaps even bigger surprises in terms of prize money. Stay tuned, because the future of Olympic prize money promises to be as exciting as the competitions themselves.