The IOC will give $10.000 to each Olympic athlete
The International Olympic Committee has approved a $10.000 grant for each Olympic athlete, a measure that could also affect triathlon at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
The program will begin with athletes who participated in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games and represents a significant change in the economic relationship between the IOC and Olympic athletes.
Aid for all Olympians, not just medalists
The new measure was announced during the 146th IOC Session and provides $10.000 in aid for each athlete competing in the Olympic Games, provided they meet the conditions set by the organization.
The key point is that the aid will not depend on the outcome. It will not be exclusive to medalists, athletes from specific countries, or athletes in particular disciplines. The IOC's stated objective is to recognize the journey to the Olympic Games.
Pau Gasol , president of the IOC Athletes' Commission, was in charge of presenting the program. The former Spanish player argued that all Olympians have made sacrifices to reach that level, regardless of whether they finish on the podium or not.
Why it matters to triathlon too
Olympic triathlon has been part of the Summer Games program since Sydney 2000. Therefore, although the aid will begin with Milano Cortina 2026, the measure may also have an impact on triathletes competing in Los Angeles 2028.
For a sport like triathlon, where many athletes depend on scholarships, federation support, sponsors and demanding international schedules, this aid can provide additional support in the preparation or in the transition after the Olympic competition.
The IOC insists that this is not a performance-based financial award, but rather direct aid to Olympic athletes. According to published information, the program would reach approximately 14.000 athletes across the Summer and Winter Games, with a budget of around $140 million.
Conditions for receiving aid
The aid will not be distributed automatically without oversight. Athletes must comply with anti-doping regulations and respect the Olympic Charter to be eligible. Payment will be channeled through the National Olympic Committees , not directly from the IOC to each athlete.
It has also been indicated that the aid is intended for full Olympians, so it would not apply to participants in the Youth Olympic Games.
A change in the Olympic model
The decision comes at a time when the debate over financial compensation for Olympic athletes has gained momentum. At Paris 2024, World Athletics already introduced prize money for Olympic track and field champions, setting a precedent within the Olympic movement.
The difference is that the new IOC program doesn't just reward winners, but recognizes Olympic participation itself. This distinction is important for sports where simply reaching the Games involves years of qualification, travel, training camps, and personal expenses.
In the case of triathlon, the measure adds another element to the Olympic cycle that has just begun, heading towards Los Angeles 2028. It doesn't change the sporting classification, but it does strengthen the financial reward for those who manage to reach the Olympic starting line.
