IOC Launches Historic USD 10,000 Olympian Grant to Support Athletes Beyond the Olympic Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the creation of the Fit for the Future Olympian Grant, a landmark initiative that will provide every eligible Olympian with a USD 10,000 grant to support either their continued sporting career or their transition beyond elite competition.

Announced during the 146th IOC Session in Lausanne by IOC Athletes’ Commission Chair Pau Gasol, the initiative marks the first time in Olympic history that every Olympian—not only medal winners—will be eligible for direct financial support.

The programme will begin with athletes competing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, with the IOC committing USD 140 million per Olympiad to fund the initiative. Approximately 14,000 Olympians are expected to benefit during each Olympic cycle.

“This grant will be available to every Olympian. Not just medal winners. Not just athletes from certain countries. Every Olympian,” Gasol said.

He added that the grant recognises the years of dedication, sacrifice and commitment required to reach the Olympic Games, describing it as support for athletes rather than prize money.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry welcomed the announcement, saying the initiative had been discussed for many years and represented an important milestone in strengthening athlete support.

The grant forms one of the first initiatives under the IOC’s Fit for the Future strategic framework, which aims to provide long-term support for athletes both during and after their competitive careers.

The funding will complement existing athlete support programmes and will be distributed through National Olympic Committees (NOCs). Athletes who choose not to apply will have their allocation returned to the fund to support future Olympians. The programme will not reduce existing funding provided by the IOC to NOCs, International Federations, Organising Committees or Olympic Solidarity.

To be eligible, athletes must:

– Have competed at the Olympic Games with an Aa accreditation, beginning with Milano Cortina 2026.
– Comply with all anti-doping regulations, the IOC Code of Ethics, the Olympic Charter and Conditions of Participation.
– Youth Olympic Games participants are not eligible for the grant.

The IOC will now develop the application process with National Olympic Committees, with applications expected to open later this year and the first payments scheduled for 2027.

The International Olympic Committee redistributes more than 90 per cent of its revenue to the global sporting movement, investing the equivalent of approximately USD 4.7 million every day to support athletes and sports organisations worldwide.