Paralympic medalists earn significantly less than Olympicics
Paralympic medalists earn significantly less than Olympicics
While the year 2024 comes to an end, many of us hope for a healthy bonus to celebrate the new year. Elite athletes also expect this type of recognition. A analysis of CNN Sport shows that many gold medalists of the Olympic Games in Paris are rewarded with generous premiums and gifts for their achievements, while their Paralympic colleagues are often less considered with hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Different reward structures
In many countries, the national Olympic and Paralympic Committees (NOCs and NPCs) are separate institutions that manage their sports differently. In the United States, for example, there is only one association that is the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (usopc), while Australia both a Australian Olympic Committee as well as Paralympics Australia . Also in athletics on a global level there are separate organizations with World Athletics and World Para Athletics.sources of financing and support
Most NOCs and NPCs receive funds from state support and private sponsors. Some countries, such as Great Britannia or China, move most of their funds from the state and national lotteries. The USOPC, on the other hand, is a non -profit organization without state financing and is dependent on private investments. According to the data collected, at least 42 countries paid their gold medal winners more than $ 100,000 in premiums after the Olympic Games in Paris, while only 23 countries and Taiwan gave their Paralympic Champions a similar reward.
frustration and inequality
Sarah Storey, the most successful paralympionary Great Britain, said to CNN Sport: "It is very disappointing to see that the nations act so differently in the financing willingness for their athletes and that visibility and opportunities for para athletes are often overlooked." For example, Paralympic gold medalist in Singapore will receive a bonus of $ 500,000 (around $ 385,000), which is only half of the amount, the Olympic champion.
international differences
While Hong Kongs received paralympic gold medalists $ 1.5 million (around $ 190,000), this is 75 % less than the premium for Olympic gold medalists. Vietnamese athletes who win gold at the Olympic Games also receive a bonus of $ 1 million, while Paralympic gold medalists receive only 400 million Vietnamese Dong (approx. 15,700 US dollars)-another example of the large discrepancy.
The view of the international associations
World Para Athletics said that it was currently unable to offer prize money in the para performance disciplines. However, they called for investments and emphasized the need to think about possible rewards for their athletes. With 164 medal decisions, the Paralympic Games in Paris also have significantly more competitions than the 48 sports of the Olympic Games, which makes income further difficult.
future changes in the reward system
Although the challenges still exist, there are signs that the situation changes. Some countries, such as Canada and Georgia, have recently taken over the concept of equality in awarding premiums for Paralympic and Olympic Champions. Canada announced that both groups of athletes receive a bonus of $ 20,000 for gold medals.
in Australia and the Czech Republic, the rewards for Paralympic medalists have already adjusted, and similar changes are planned in other countries. While the support is not yet equivalent at all levels, this shows a clear progress in the right direction.
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