The IOC has created a $140 million “Fit for the Future” fund offering every Olympian a $10,000 grant after competing, starting with the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
History just got made in Lausanne. The IOC has unveiled a $10,000 grant for every Olympian, regardless of nationality or medal success, ending a 130-year tradition of athletes getting no direct payout simply for competing, Vanguard reports.
The “Fit for the Future Olympian Grant” kicks off with the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, with payments expected from early 2027, provided athletes meet anti-doping and conduct rules.
IOC Athletes’ Commission chair Pau Gasol said it honours the sacrifice behind every Olympic journey — “not just medal winners.” President Kirsty Coventry called it the start of a new chapter, with sports leaders hailing it as a major step for athlete welfare.
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