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Olympic Athletes to Reap Financial Rewards in Paris 2024The upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris mark a significant shift in the financial landscape for athletes. In a departure from tradition, various federations have announced substantial cash rewards for medalists, adding a new dimension to the pursuit of Olympic glory.Traditionally, the Olympic Games have been devoid of cash prizes, with athletes competing solely for the honor of representing their countries and the prestige of winning medals. However, this year, the trend is changing. World Athletics, the governing body for track and field, has pledged a generous $50,000 reward for every gold medalist in its events. The International Boxing Association has followed suit, offering a staggering $100,000 to gold medalists across all categories.This move has been met with mixed reactions. Some federations, such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), remain opposed to the idea of cash rewards, arguing that it goes against the spirit of Olympism and creates an unfair advantage for athletes in certain sports. However, many sporting bodies believe that athletes deserve to be compensated for their hard work and dedication."While it is impossible to put a marketable value on winning an Olympic medal, or on the commitment and focus it takes to even represent your country at an Olympic Games," said World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, "I think it is important we start somewhere and make sure some of the revenues generated by our athletes at the Olympic Games are directly returned to those who make the Games the global spectacle that it is."The financial incentives offered by federations are not limited to gold medalists. Silver and bronze medalists will also receive significant rewards, albeit smaller than the top prize. This move aims to recognize the achievements of all athletes who reach the podium, regardless of their medal color.In addition to the rewards announced by international federations, governments and national sporting federations have also traditionally offered cash prizes to their athletes for Olympic success. For example, the Indian government has reportedly offered 7.5 million rupees (about $90,000) to Olympic gold medalists, while the Indian Olympic Association has given athletes a separate reward of 10 million rupees (about $120,000).The introduction of cash rewards for Olympic athletes is a significant development that has the potential to reshape the financial landscape of the Games. While some may argue that it detracts from the purity of the Olympic spirit, others believe that it is a fair way to recognize and reward the hard work and dedication of athletes who represent their countries on the world's biggest sporting stage.