At the Tokyo Games in 2021, karate master Tareg Hamedi won the second-ever silver medal for Saudi Arabia, which made him a national hero—and millionaire. Despite seeming close to a gold, he was disqualified for a dangerous move, yet accepted his silver with respect. The Saudi Crown Prince honored him with a gold medal prize of $1.33 million, showcasing the significant rewards for athletes from countries with fewer Olympic successes.
Carlos Yulo, a gymnast from the Philippines, who won two gold medals in Paris, was rewarded by President Ferdinand Marcos with 10 million pesos—around $180,000—and an additional 20 million pesos for his double gold. Apart from cash, Yulo received several unique rewards, including a lifetime supply of ramen and free access to routine medical procedures. This highlights the immense financial incentives for athletes in countries where medals are rare.
Middle Eastern countries generally secure far fewer Olympic medals compared to other nations, making any success—bronze, silver, or gold—cause for enormous excitement. The scale of prize money reflects this scarcity, where individual victories can lead to life-changing financial rewards for the athletes, setting them apart from competitors in better-medaling countries, who often need to maintain other jobs due to limited earnings from their sport.
Hong Kong provides generous rewards for its athletes as well, paying $770,000 to gold-medalist fencers, alongside other incentives like a lifetime supply of tickets for the public rail service, MTR. They offer $380,000 for silver and $192,000 for bronze. Such measures serve to incentivize athletes while promoting sports, emphasizing how national pride and financial success often intertwine in the realm of Olympic achievements.
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