As the Milan–Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics, set to open on February 6, approach, countries around the world are offering financial incentives to encourage strong performances by their athletes. The United States has traditionally not provided government-funded medal bonuses, and this year is no exception, with no federal-level rewards in place. However, the situation changed after Ross Stevens, a prominent figure in the U.S. financial sector, recently donated $100 million—more than 1.45 trillion won—to the U.S. Olympic Committee, stating that he wanted the funds to be used to enhance athletes’ long-term financial stability.

According to The Wall Street Journal on February 4, this donation will allow all U.S. athletes competing in the upcoming Olympics to receive a $200,000 bonus regardless of whether they win a medal. The payout, however, will not be made in a lump sum. Half of the amount will be distributed either 20 years after the athlete’s Olympic participation or when the athlete reaches the age of 45, whichever comes first. The remaining $100,000 will be paid to the athlete’s family after the athlete’s death. The U.S. Olympic team consists of 232 athletes; providing each with $200,000 would require a total of approximately $46.4 million, or about 67.3 billion won.

Poland, meanwhile, has drawn attention by announcing plans to pay medal bonuses in cryptocurrency. A gold medalist is expected to receive approximately €120,000—roughly 200 million won. However, local media report that this approach has sparked controversy over transparency and ethical concerns related to the use of cryptocurrency for Olympic rewards. South Korea offers a gold medal bonus of 67.2 million won, and male athletes who win medals are also eligible for military service exemptions. In comparison, during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Hong Kong awarded gold medalists a bonus of HK$6 million (approximately 1.11 billion won). At the time, Hong Kong fencer Vivian Kong won the women’s individual épée event, receiving not only the cash bonus but also lifetime free access to public rail transportation.

(JoongAng Ilbo, February 4, 2026)