What does an Olympic medal really bring in?

Whoever once claimed that taking part matters more than winning has probably never held a bank statement next to an Olympic medal. Media bonuses show that winning does yield significant financial rewards in some countries. The International Olympic Committee itself does not distribute prize money, leaving it entirely to individual nations.

Anyone who's ever said that taking part is more important than winning has probably never put a bank statement next to a medal. Of course, the Olympic spirit revolves around honor, glory, and national pride. But behind the podium, between the national anthem and the flag, in some countries the cash register rings surprisingly loudly. The International Olympic Committee keeps a tight rein on the purse strings. No prize money, no bonus. What you receive as an athlete depends entirely on your passport. MASTERS lists the amounts, and the differences.

For Dutch athletes, the 2026 Winter Games in Milan will be one for the record books. It will be the last edition to offer a media bonus. From 2028 onward, it will be all about honor and fame.

Individual winners in the Netherlands receive a bonus of €30.000 for gold, €15.000 for silver and €7.500 for bronze.

For teams, lower amounts per person apply, depending on the team size, namely: gold minimum €11.000 per athlete, silver €8.000 and bronze €5.000

There is also a maximum amount, and multiple medals do not yield an unlimited bonus. Internationally, the Netherlands ranks around 26th.e position of best paying countries.

Where gold is worth almost a million

The amounts vary widely around the world. In some countries, a gold medal is worth nearly a million.

At the top of the list is Hong Kong, with a gold medal bonus of approximately $770.000, $380.000 for silver, and $190.000 for bronze. Despite never having won a gold medal at the Winter Olympics, Hong Kong is still at the top financially.

Behind Hong Kong is Singapore. The country is represented by only one athlete in Milan, but the prize money isn't the problem. Winning a gold medal earns a whopping $737.000, silver $500.000, and bronze $250.000.

Poland is the only European country in this top ranking. The bonuses for Polish medalists are approximately €326.600 for a gold medal, €104.000 for silver, and €78.000 for bronze. The last time Poland won a gold medal at the Winter Games was in 2018 in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Ultimately, a medal remains priceless, and the Olympic spirit revolves around athletic achievement and national pride. Yet, it demonstrates worldwide that fame carries a slightly greater weight in some countries, especially when it comes to the bank account.