IOC Announces Historic $10,000 Grant for Every Olympian Starting from Milano Cortina 2026
New “Fit for the Future Olympian Grant” to Support Athletes’ Sporting Careers and Post-Sports Transitions
Lausanne, Switzerland, June 24, 2026: In a landmark decision aimed at strengthening athlete welfare, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the creation of the “Fit for the Future Olympian Grant,” a first-of-its-kind initiative that will provide USD 10,000 to every eligible Olympian competing at the Olympic Games.
The announcement was made during the 146th IOC Session in Lausanne by Pau Gasol, Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission. The programme will commence with athletes participating in the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, making it the first time in Olympic history that all Olympians—not just medal winners—will be eligible for direct financial support.
USD 140 Million Set Aside Per Olympiad
To fund the initiative, the IOC has earmarked USD 140 million for each Olympiad, reflecting a significant expansion of its athlete support framework.
The grant forms part of the IOC’s newly launched “Fit for the Future” strategic framework, designed to provide long-term assistance to athletes during their sporting careers and help them transition successfully into life after competitive sports.
According to the IOC, approximately 14,000 athletes per Olympiad are expected to benefit from the programme.
Support Beyond Medals
Announcing the initiative, Pau Gasol emphasized that the grant is intended to recognize the dedication and sacrifices made by every Olympian.
“This grant will be available to every Olympian—not just medal winners and not just athletes from certain countries. Every Olympian has made tremendous sacrifices, invested years of hard work, and pursued a dream to reach the Olympic stage. This is not prize money; it is recognition of the journey and commitment required to become an Olympian,” Gasol said.
He added that the initiative also honours past Olympians whose efforts helped build the Olympic Movement and create opportunities for future generations.
IOC President Welcomes Historic Step
IOC President Kirsty Coventry described the announcement as a long-awaited milestone for the Olympic community.
“This has been a topic of discussion for many years, and I am extremely proud that we are now able to make it a reality,” Coventry stated.
The decision is being widely viewed as one of the most athlete-centric reforms introduced by the IOC in recent years.
Who Will Be Eligible?
The IOC has outlined the following eligibility criteria:
- All athletes competing in the Olympic Games with an official Aa accreditation beginning with Milano Cortina 2026.
- The grant applies exclusively to Olympians and does not include participants in the Youth Olympic Games (YOG).
- Athletes must not have committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation.
- Athletes must not have violated the IOC Code of Ethics, Conditions of Participation, or the Olympic Charter.
The grant will be distributed through existing National Olympic Committee (NOC) structures.
Importantly, if an athlete chooses not to claim the grant, the allocated funds will remain within the programme and be used to support future Olympians.
Additional Support, Not a Replacement
The IOC clarified that the new grant will not reduce or replace existing funding mechanisms currently provided to:
- National Olympic Committees (NOCs)
- International Sports Federations (IFs)
- Organising Committees for the Olympic Games (OCOGs)
- Olympic Solidarity programmes
Instead, the Olympian Grant will function as an additional layer of support specifically dedicated to athletes.
Application Process to Open Later This Year
The IOC will now work with National Olympic Committees worldwide to establish the application and distribution framework.
Applications for athletes competing at Milano Cortina 2026 are expected to open by the end of 2026, with the first grant payments scheduled to be made in 2027.
A New Era for Athlete Welfare
The introduction of the Fit for the Future Olympian Grant marks a significant shift in the Olympic Movement’s approach to athlete support. While Olympic participation has traditionally been associated with prestige and national honour, many athletes face financial challenges both during and after their sporting careers.
By extending financial assistance to every Olympian, regardless of medals won or nationality, the IOC is seeking to recognize the broader value of Olympic participation and support athletes beyond competition.
IBG NEWS Analysis
The IOC’s decision represents one of the most progressive athlete-support measures in modern Olympic history. For decades, financial rewards at the Olympic Games were largely dependent on national government incentives, sponsorships, or medal performances. The new grant acknowledges that simply reaching the Olympic stage requires years of sacrifice, training, and dedication.
For athletes from developing nations and smaller sporting programmes, the USD 10,000 grant could provide meaningful assistance for education, training, career development, or post-retirement planning.
As global sport increasingly focuses on athlete well-being, mental health, and career sustainability, the Fit for the Future Olympian Grant may become a model for other international sporting bodies seeking to place athletes at the centre of sports governance.
— IBG NEWS Sports & Olympic Affairs Desk
