The upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics promise more than just medals for the top athletes; some countries are offering unusual and lucrative rewards for Olympic success.
Cows and Militairy Exemption
In Indonesia, Olympic medalists receive extraordinary prizes. For instance, badminton champions Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu, who won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due to the pandemic), were awarded five cows, a new house, a restaurant, and approximately $373,000 USD in cash, according to Hotnews.
This unique tradition is set to continue for the Paris Games, where similar rewards will be given to high achievers.
In South Korea, the stakes are high for athletes: winning an Olympic medal grants them an exemption from mandatory military service.
South Korean men, aged 18 to 28, are required to serve in the military for 18 months, but Olympic heroes receive a reprieve, making this a highly coveted prize.
For those interested in cash incentives, Hong Kong leads with a substantial reward. Gold medalists from the region will receive nearly $749,000 USD.
Singapore follows with $695,500 USD for gold, $347,750 USD for silver, and $173,000 USD for bronze.
Taiwan also offers significant prizes, with $588,500 USD for a gold medal and a lifetime salary of $3,960 USD per month.
On the other end of the spectrum, countries like the United Kingdom, Norway, and Sweden will not provide financial incentives for Olympic medals.
The Paris Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, and will showcase not only the spirit of competition but also the unique ways countries reward their Olympic heroes.
