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IOC to give every Olympian $10,000 grant
🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago /Sports

IOC to give every Olympian $10,000 grant

From Trinidad Express · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will award every Olympian a US$10,000 grant starting with the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. A $140 million fund will support athletes' careers or post-competition transitions, provided they meet anti-doping and ethical requirements.
  • Trinidad and Tobago cyclist Nicholas Paul welcomed the initiative, calling it an important recognition of athletes' sacrifices and a significant step for competitors from smaller nations.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a landmark decision to provide every Olympic athlete with a US$10,000 grant, a move that begins with the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

A fund of US$140 million has been established for each Olympic cycle. This grant aims to support athletes in their sporting careers or assist with their transition after elite competition. Eligibility requires athletes to meet the IOC's anti-doping and ethical standards.

I think this is a very positive step by the IOC. Simply reaching the Olympic Games is an achievement in itself and requires years of sacrifice, dedication and significant financial investment. This initiative recognises the commitment and hard work that athletes put in throughout their journey to the Olympic stage.

— Nicholas PaulTrinidad and Tobago cyclist Nicholas Paul commented on the IOC's new grant initiative.

This initiative marks a historic first for the IOC in its 132-year history, offering direct financial support to all Olympians, irrespective of their medal performance. Pau Gasol, chairman of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, stated that the program recognizes the importance and relevance of being an Olympian.

For athletes from smaller nations, like Trinidad and Tobago, every bit of support matters. While US$10,000 may not cover the entire cost of an Olympic campaign, it can make a meaningful difference in our long term development.

— Nicholas PaulNicholas Paul discussed the potential impact of the grant for athletes from smaller countries.

Trinidad and Tobago's Nicholas Paul, a two-time Olympian and accomplished cyclist, expressed his approval, calling it a "very positive step." He highlighted that reaching the Olympic Games itself is a significant achievement demanding years of sacrifice and financial investment. Paul believes this grant acknowledges the commitment of all athletes, not just medalists.

"For athletes from smaller nations, like Trinidad and Tobago, every bit of support matters," Paul said. "While US$10,000 may not cover the entire cost of an Olympic campaign, it can make a meaningful difference in our long term development." He added that the grant sends a powerful message valuing the journey and sacrifices of every Olympian.

More importantly it sends a powerful message that the journey and sacrifices of every Olympian are valued not just those who stand on the podium.

— Nicholas PaulPaul emphasized the symbolic importance of the grant for all Olympians.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Trinidad Express in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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