Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
THE International Olympic Committee (IOC) has unveiled a new US$10 000 grant for every Olympian competing at the Games, in a move aimed at strengthening athlete support during and beyond their sporting careers.
The Fit for the Future Olympian Grant, introduced under the leadership of IOC President Kirsty Coventry, will provide eligible athletes with US$10 000 for every Olympic Games in which they compete.
The initiative is designed to assist athletes in pursuing their sporting ambitions while also helping them transition into life after elite competition.
The programme will begin with athletes who participated at this year’s Winter Olympic Games, with approximately 14 000 Olympians expected to qualify for each edition of the Games.
The IOC has clarified that the grant is not prize money and will not be available to athletes sanctioned for anti-doping violations or those found to have breached the IOC Code of Ethics or the Olympic Charter.
IOC Athletes’ Commission Chair and former NBA star Pau Gasol said the initiative recognises the commitment and sacrifices required to reach the Olympic stage while providing support beyond competition.
Coventry said the grant was the result of years of discussions focused on delivering more direct assistance to athletes throughout their Olympic journey.
The programme has already received strong backing from across the global sporting community, including Sebastian Coe, who contested the IOC presidential election against Coventry, as well as other international sports leaders.
The IOC has allocated US$140 million for each Olympic Games to fund the scheme, with the first payments expected in 2027 after applications open later this year.
