MILANO, Italy — As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold in the snowy peaks and icy arenas of Milano-Cortina, athletes from around the world are chasing not just medals but potentially life-altering financial rewards. Nearly 2,900 competitors from more than 90 national Olympic committees are vying for glory across 116 events in eight sports, from alpine skiing to figure skating. While the International Olympic Committee refrains from distributing prize money, many nations step in with substantial cash bonuses, cars, apartments and other perks for podium finishers, according to a compilation by CNBC from national Olympic committees, sports associations and local reports.
Singapore leads the pack in generosity for the 2026 Games, offering approximately $792,000 for an individual gold medal, $395,000 for silver and $197,000 for bronze. This marks a significant incentive for the small Southeast Asian nation, which has limited experience in Winter Olympics. The country participated in just one prior Winter Games, in 2018, where short-track speedskater Cheyenne Goh placed 28th in the women's 1,500 meters. For Milano-Cortina, Singapore sent alpine skier Faiz Basha as its sole representative. Basha, however, did not advance far, failing to complete the first run of the giant slalom at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio on February 14, 2026, amid a field of 81 athletes, effectively concluding his Olympic campaign.
Hong Kong follows closely behind Singapore in payout scale, providing roughly $768,000 for gold, $384,000 for silver and $192,000 for bronze. The Special Administrative Region of China has dispatched alpine skiers and short-track speedskaters to Italy but has yet to secure a Winter Olympic medal in its history. Officials from Hong Kong's sports bodies emphasize that these bonuses aim to motivate athletes in a discipline where the city is still building its presence.
In Europe, Poland distinguishes itself not only with hefty sums but also with an eclectic array of non-monetary rewards. Individual gold medalists can expect about $211,000, plus a Toyota Corolla passenger car, a fully finished two-room apartment, a painting, a holiday voucher and jewelry, according to Polish Olympic Committee details. Silver medalists receive around $169,000 along with paintings and jewelry, while bronze earners get $124,000 and similar extras. This multifaceted package reflects Poland's tradition of celebrating athletic success holistically, blending financial support with tangible lifestyle enhancements.
As the host nation, Italy offers competitive incentives to its athletes, with approximately $214,000 for gold, $107,000 for silver and $71,000 for bronze. The payouts, managed through the Italian National Olympic Committee, underscore the country's investment in its winter sports programs, particularly in events like biathlon and cross-country skiing held in the Dolomites. Italian officials have noted that these bonuses help offset the intense training demands in a high-altitude environment.
South Korea, a perennial powerhouse in winter sports, awards about $208,000 for gold, roughly $139,000 for silver and $70,000 for bronze. Beyond the standard bonuses, rewards can multiply through additional gifts from sponsors and associations. For instance, state media reported that snowboarder Choi Ga-on received 300 million won — equivalent to about $225,000 — from her sports association after clinching gold in the women's halfpipe on February 12, 2026, at the Cortina d'Ampezzo venue. Private companies piled on, presenting her with a luxury watch from the Swiss brand Omega during a ceremony in Milano the following day.
In contrast, the United States provides more modest direct payouts through the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee: $37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver and $15,000 for bronze. American athletes often supplement these with endorsement deals, but the base bonuses remain lower than those in many other nations. U.S. Olympic officials have defended the structure, stating it prioritizes broad funding for training and development over top-end prizes.
Not all winter sports dominators rely on cash incentives. Norway, which holds the record for the most Winter Olympic medals with 405 across its history, does not offer direct bonuses for podium finishes. Instead, the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee provides ongoing financial support to athletes who continue competing, including an annual stipend of roughly 160,000 Norwegian kroner, or about $16,831, along with access to professional training and medical services. This approach, according to Norwegian sports leaders, fosters long-term sustainability in a country where winter sports are deeply embedded in national culture.
The United Kingdom similarly eschews cash bonuses for Olympic medals. Team Great Britain athletes competing in Milano-Cortina will not receive extra payments for podiums, as confirmed by UK Sport. Funding instead flows through National Lottery proceeds, supporting training, coaching and athlete development programs year-round. British officials argue this model ensures equitable investment across sports, rather than rewarding only the elite finishers.
China's system for Winter Games rewards lacks a standardized national framework, with payouts often varying by province or sponsor. While Beijing hosted the 2022 Winter Olympics and medaled in events like freestyle skiing, details for 2026 remain opaque at the federal level. Reports from Chinese sports associations indicate that individual provinces, such as those in the north with strong winter traditions, may offer bonuses independently, but no uniform figures have been disclosed publicly.
These disparities in rewards highlight the diverse ways nations incentivize Olympic participation. For athletes from smaller or emerging winter sports programs like Singapore and Hong Kong, the promise of six-figure sums can be transformative, covering years of expenses in a sport requiring expensive equipment and travel. In powerhouse nations like Norway and the UK, the focus shifts to systemic support, ensuring athletes can pursue careers without immediate financial pressure from a single event.
The 2026 Milano-Cortina Games, running from February 6 to 22, mark the first Winter Olympics in Italy since 1956, when Cortina hosted solo. This edition features venues spread across Lombardy and Veneto regions, including the historic bobsleigh track in Cortina and modern arenas in Milano. With climate concerns influencing site selections — such as artificial snow production at lower elevations — the event also spotlights sustainability efforts by the IOC.
Behind the glamour of medals and bonuses lies the grueling reality of Olympic preparation. As one unnamed athlete told local reporters in Bormio, “An Olympic medal represents years of sacrifice and training. In a high-stakes competition decided in seconds, a podium finish can also bring a life-changing payout.” Such sentiments echo across the athletes' village, where competitors balance national pride with personal dreams.
Looking ahead, the bonus structures may evolve as nations reassess funding amid economic shifts. For now, as the Games progress toward their February 22 closing ceremony in Milano's San Siro Stadium, athletes like Poland's potential medalists could drive home in new cars, while others eye the broader support networks that sustain their sports. The varied incentives underscore the global tapestry of the Olympics, where glory comes in many forms.
With events still unfolding, including high-profile figure skating finals scheduled for February 20 at the Mediolanum Forum, more stories of triumph — and their rewards — are sure to emerge. Officials from the IOC have reiterated that while financial aspects vary, the spirit of international competition remains paramount.