Did You Know Olympians Are Paid For Medaling???
@gtargirl (5376)
United States
March 1, 2010 10:50am CST
Of course, I can only speak for the USA team. Yeah, they get paid for first, second and third place. Did you know that? A gold medal earns them $15,000, the silver medalist gets $10,000 and the bronze takes home $5,000. I found that out because one of the USA short track speed skaters (a girl) gave her earnings ($25,000) back to her parents. Now there's something to cheer about. Did you know?
3 people like this
8 responses
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
3 Mar 10
Yes, I knew the USA paid money to medal winners, so does Australia. I dont know what the amounts are here? I wonder if the Canadians and English do the same? Im going to check your other responses.
Did you also know, that male and female medal winners are not necessarily paid the same amount for the same sport? There us a big issue over this. In fact, my daughter is doing a major assignment on this issue at the moment.
I cant say for certain in which events this discrimination occurs. I know in endurance events, such as marathons, there is a difference in reward money for place getters.
I dont even know if this discrepancy applies to all countries?
Women are not even allowed to enter certain events, such as the 1500 metre swim in some countries.
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
4 Mar 10
She has barely started the assignment. I know she has prepared an interview, as she needs lots of people to give their opinion. Hey, maybe I could post it on My Lot!!
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
4 Mar 10
Well that's annoying. Women train as much as the guys do and they probably sacrifice way more than they do . . . there were quite a few mom Olympic athletes who had to do the mom thing while training etc. And first place is first place. I'd love to hear what your daughter learned for her assignment.
1 person likes this
@CoffeeAnyone (3210)
• Canada
2 Mar 10
What impresses me is that the girl gave her earnings to her parents.
1 person likes this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
1 Mar 10
Hehehe. 
Yeah, it's become a pro thing, for sure. Come on, USA versus Canada was just another NHL game. And remember Kobe played against Gasol for the gold in Beijing. You're just pulling my leg, huh?
Yeah, it's become a pro thing, for sure. Come on, USA versus Canada was just another NHL game. And remember Kobe played against Gasol for the gold in Beijing. You're just pulling my leg, huh?
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
2 Mar 10
I knew that the skaters got paid, so this is not a surprise. The Olympics ceased being for 'amateurs' long, long ago...
@MrKennedy (1978)
•
1 Mar 10
Of course I knew. Apart from the glory of earning a medal, they need some other incentive to chase the gold
I did think that they earned slightly more for medal victories though.
I did think that they earned slightly more for medal victories though.1 person likes this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
1 Mar 10
Yeah, but any payoff is nice. Plus our pro athletes probably give their earnings to charity. Or perhaps they could give it back to our Olympic Committee who can then raise the earnings for the athletes who want to go to college or something. I'm just sayin'. 
@Gunbazca (44)
• Indonesia
1 Mar 10
I don't know about that... but athletes do receive incentives for their achievements. Here in Indonesia, an Olympic Medalist can get up to one billion rupiahs (around US$ 100,000) from many sources (not only the government but also the sponsors and whatnots).
1 person likes this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
1 Mar 10
Wow, that's nice. Yeah, sponsors I knew about, but I don't think our government makes any kind of pay out for our athletes. Now, if Indonesia can just get an Olympic team to the Winter games that would be fun. My mom is from Soerabaja and my Dad from Java. They were asking about the Indonesian team. I had to tell them they didn't send a team. Summer Olympics, I'm sure they are there. Thanks for dropping by Gunbazca, have an awesome day.
@grecychunny26 (9483)
• Philippines
2 Mar 10
I know there is a corresponding prize for every medal an athlete will receive. That was very high $15000 and the pride when you have a gold medal and the achievement it will bring to you. Actually the achievement and success is what really matters for the athletes compare to money. It builds their self confidence. But of course they needed money to supply them financially.
