Athletes train their whole lives to compete in the Olympics, often forgoing other careers and financial savings for a chance to medal. And some of them go home without much of a career waiting for them.
Billionaire Ross Stevens wants to change that. Beginning with next month’s Milan Cortina Games, he will give $200,000 to every U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athlete, regardless of if they win, in a move to help them gain financial security.
Stevens, the founder and CEO of Stone Ridge Holdings Group, donated $100 million to the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) for the program in 2025. It was the largest gift in the organization’s history.
The athletes will get the first $100,000 at age 45 or 20 years after their first qualifying Olympic appearance, whichever comes later. Another $100,000 will be given as a guaranteed benefit for their families after they pass away.
“I do not believe that financial insecurity should stop our nation’s elite athletes from breaking through to new frontiers of excellence,” said Stevens, who is a long-time Team USA supporter.
