The International Olympic Committee has announced a new financial support initiative that will see every athlete competing at the Olympic Games receive a US$10 000 grant per edition, in a move aimed at strengthening athlete welfare during and after their sporting careers.
The programme, known as the Fit for the Future Olympian Grant, was introduced under the leadership of IOC President Kirsty Coventry. It is designed to provide direct financial assistance to Olympians, helping them manage the demands of elite sport while also preparing for life beyond competition.
Under the scheme, each eligible athlete will receive US$10 000 for every Olympic Games in which they participate. The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 14 000 Olympians per edition of the Games, starting with athletes who competed at the most recent Winter Olympics.
The IOC clarified that the grant is not prize money, but rather development support intended to ease financial pressures often faced by athletes who dedicate years to reaching the Olympic stage. However, athletes who have been sanctioned for anti-doping violations or found guilty of breaching the Olympic Charter or IOC Code of Ethics will not qualify.
IOC Athletes’ Commission Chair and former NBA star Pau Gasol welcomed the initiative, saying it recognises the sacrifices made by athletes while also helping them transition into careers after sport.
The programme has also received backing from several prominent figures in global sport, including British athletics legend Sebastian Coe, who previously contested the IOC presidential election against Coventry, alongside other international sports leaders.
The IOC said it will allocate around US$140 million per Olympic Games to fund the initiative, with the first payments expected in 2027 once applications open later this year.
Officials say the programme marks a significant shift in athlete support, reflecting growing recognition of the financial and professional challenges faced by Olympians before, during and after competition.
