How Countries Are Honoring their Olympic Champions with Free Colonoscopies and Million-Dollar Rewards

Athletes dedicate their entire lives to the pursuit of an Olympic medal, and stepping onto the podium represents the pinnacle of their relentless effort, perseverance, and sacrifice. In Paris, winners received not only their medals but also a commemorative box with the official Games poster. However, many Olympic champions were rewarded with additional incentives beyond these symbols of achievement.

Over 40 nations provided financial bonuses to their victorious athletes, with more than 25 countries offering over $100,000 for gold medals. The US awarded $37,500 to its champions, a sum more generous than the rewards from nations like Great Britain, Sweden, and Norway, which offered no financial bonuses. Despite this, the US ranks 35th in terms of national generosity.

As the Paralympics approach, CNN Sport reviews the diverse and sometimes surprising rewards that Olympic victors receive. Hong Kong, for instance, is known for its substantial payouts. Fencers Cheung Ka Long and Vivian Kong, who won gold, were awarded HK$6 million (about $770,000), while bronze medalists received HK$1.5 million (over $190,000). All medalists also benefit from lifetime free railway tickets from the MTR Corporation.

Saudi Arabia, yet to secure an Olympic gold, promises five million riyals (approximately $1.3 million) to its first gold medalist. Tareg Hamedi, a karate silver medalist from the 2020 Tokyo Games, was unexpectedly granted this reward by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Asia stands out for its generous rewards, with six of the top ten payouts originating from the continent. Georgia is the sole European country in the top ten, with Serbia and Italy’s rewards just missing out.

The Philippines demonstrated exceptional generosity by awarding gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo 10 million pesos (around $178,300) for his two gold medals, with President Ferdinand Marcos adding an extra 20 million pesos, bringing his total to 30 million pesos (over $535,000). Yulo has also been showered with gifts, including headlights, free ramen, university credits, and a condo.

Non-financial rewards are also common. South Korean gold medalists received about $50,000 and exemption from mandatory national service. In Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, Olympic champions were promised apartments, while Iraqi athletes received land and money for qualifying. Uzbek medalists earned cars of increasing value based on their placements, and Romanian billionaire Ion Țiriac fulfilled his pledge to provide Hyundai vehicles to all medal winners.

Poland awarded gold medalists 250,000 złoty (around $65,000), a two-bedroom apartment, a painting, and a holiday voucher, with silver and bronze winners receiving lesser sums and missing out on the apartment. For those seeking substantial financial rewards or exceptional perks, competing for Hong Kong or Saudi Arabia may be the best option, while the Philippines offers unique benefits like unlimited healthcare.