Cows or diamonds, not just medals for champions

a cow, a lifetime pass to public transport, and even exemption from military service or a more usual car. There is not only the medal around the neck and the eternal glory of sportsmen at stake for the athletes competing in the Paris 2024 Games: and if most countries reserve cash prizes (the Coni has confirmed 180 thousand euros for the gold, 90 thousand for the silver and 60 thousand for the bronze to the Azzurri), some have planned singular rewards.

Hong Kong’s gold-winning fencers received subway passes, and a chain of gyms in the country gave away lifetime memberships to other winners. Malaysia is expecting its first gold: whoever succeeds would receive free take-out food, as well as an SUV and an apartment. The Koreans who finished on the podium will be exempt from military service, which is mandatory for all men. They too will receive a car of their own brand. Simple cash prizes from Colombia: 100,000 for gold, 50,000 for silver and 30,000 for bronze. Money confiscated from a politician accused of money laundering will feed the cash prize that Mexico allocates to its own.

A precious gift from Poland that has provided a diamond, 60 thousand euros, an apartment, a painting and a holiday for its Olympic champions. Rewards are also planned for other medalists. The Philippines draws on government savings to reward eventual champions, with promotions for those enrolled, but also real estate and land. India has guaranteed the javelin champion, gold in Tokyo, unlimited flights for a year and a luxury car. The Iraqi Olympic Committee has given athletes qualified for Paris 2024 a plot of land, a bonus of around 6 thousand euros and almost 300 euros per month. Money, cars, watches and honours from King Abdullah II for Jordanian athletes. Restaurants and even cows are the rewards promised by Indonesia.