Olympians are now set to benefit directly from cash incentives for participating in the games following an announced $100 Million cash fund commitment by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday.

While not being labeled as prize money, the incentives marks a monumental shift in IOC’s policy concerning monetary of compensation for athletes for participating.

The funds will apply to athletes of both summer and Winter Olympics, with athletes from the 2026 Cortina Milano also eligible as the first set to benefit.

The Breakdown:

$10,000 Per Athlete: Olympians can apply for a $10,000 grant after competing at the Games.

Who Benefits: The program begins with nearly 2,900 athletes from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and expands to around 11,000 athletes at the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.

The Eligibility: Athletes must meet established criteria, including compliance with anti-doping rules. Funds will be distributed through National Olympic Committees directly to athletes.

The move came months following controversial comments by the IOC President, Kirsty Coventry, who expressed the view that athletes shouldn’t be paid for competing in the Games.