IOC will pay Olympians for first time, with eligible athletes receiving $10,000 from grant program

Any Olympian will be eligible for the grant as long as they have not violated anti-doping rules, the IOC’s code of ethics or other IOC rules. Patrick Smith / Getty ImagesJune 24, 2026 1:39 pm EDT Updated The International Olympic Committee will pay athletes for the first time, starting with those who competed at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, the body announced Wednesday.Any Olympian will be eligible for the $10,000 grant as long as they have not violated anti-doping rules, the IOC’s code of ethics or other IOC rules. The IOC said it expects about 14,000 athletes to be eligible for the $140 million available per Olympic cycle.“This is not prize money. This is about recognising the journey and the commitment it takes to become an Olympian,” IOC member Pau Gasol said Wednesday. “And it is about recognising that every Olympian is part of our Olympic community, and honouring those who have come before us and paved the way, so that current and future generations of Olympians can benefit.”

The money will come from the IOC, which will distribute it through national federations.Athletes have spoken for years about the challenges of funding an Olympic run, particularly in lower-profile sports or for low-income countries. Still, Olympic athletes have historically not been paid by the IOC, including those who make the podium.“It has been a topic of conversation for many years, and I am extremely proud that we are now able to do this,” IOC President Kirsty Coventry said.The money will not be available to Paralympians as the International Paralympic Committee is a separate organization. However, the two work together, and the IPC receives money from the IOC.