Day one of the 146th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session has produced what many members described as a historic breakthrough for athletes, as International Olympic Committee President, Kirsty Coventry, unveiled a new athlete grant programme that will provide direct financial support to Olympians for the first time in Olympic history.

The International Olympic Committee has committed to paying more than $100 million directly to athletes

The IOC revealed on Wednesday it had set up a £106m fund that would pay a “fit for the future” grant of $10,000 to every athlete