Gold medalists from the 2024 Paris Olympics have been handsomely rewarded by their respective governments and sponsors, with generous cash bonuses, luxury items, and other perks. Notable athletes such as Carlos Yulo from the Philippines, Arshad Nadeem from Pakistan, and Panipak Wongpattanakit from Thailand have received significant honors for their achievements.
Arshad Nadeem: Pakistan’s Javelin Champion
Arshad Nadeem, who won gold in the men’s javelin at Paris 2024, has been showered with rewards. His throw of 92.97 meters not only secured him the gold but also made him the first Asian javelin athlete to surpass the 90-meter mark at the Olympics. For this remarkable feat, Nadeem received $897,000 in cash—$538,000 from the Pakistani government and $359,000 from Punjab Province. His coach, Salman Iqbal Butt, was awarded $18,000. Additionally, Punjab Chief Minister Mariam Nawaz gifted Nadeem a car with the special license plate “PAK 92.97.” Pakistan even issued a commemorative postage stamp in his honor. Nadeem and his family were flown to Islamabad for a ceremony with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and he was invited by the Pakistan cricket team for a motivational meeting.
Carlos Yulo: Philippine Gymnast Superstar
Carlos Yulo, the Philippine gymnastics legend, has received a plethora of rewards following his gold medal wins in freestyle gymnastics and the men’s vault. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and various sponsors promised Yulo a cash bonus of $1 million. In addition, Yulo was awarded a condominium and a vacation home, valued at over $1 million. His other rewards include lifetime pizza and ice cream buffets, free flights, and a lifetime health check-up package from a private medical center. Yulo, who trained in Japan and previously won gold at the World and Asian Championships, was celebrated with a parade in Manila on August 14. Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has also promised an additional, undisclosed cash bonus.
Panipak Wongpattanakit: Thai Taekwondo Champion
Thai taekwondo star Panipak Wongpattanakit, who clinched gold, has been offered a choice between a lump sum bonus of $281,972 or $338,367 in installments over four years by the National Olympic Committee of Thailand. In addition to this, she will receive extra bonuses from sponsors, totaling over $200,000. Wongpattanakit, who became the first Southeast Asian athlete to win gold medals three times in a row, has announced her retirement and plans to open a taekwondo training center.
Leon Marchand: French Swimming Phenom
French swimmer Leon Marchand, who secured four gold medals in the 200m breaststroke, 200m butterfly, and the 200m and 400m medley, will receive approximately $346,000 from the French government. His fame has soared, gaining over 550,000 new Instagram followers since the Games, bringing his total to 1.4 million. Marchand is now the second most-followed active swimmer, behind Australian athlete Cody Simpson.
Vivian Kong and Cheung Ka Long: Hong Kong Sabre Champions
Hong Kong’s gold medalists in sabre, Vivian Kong and Cheung Ka Long, received the largest bonuses from their government, totaling $768,000. The rewards also include free train tickets and lifetime gym memberships. Hong Kong increased its rewards for athletes by 20% since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Other Notable Rewards
Chinese table tennis champion Chen Meng received 6 kg of gold, while Polish speed climbing champion Aleksandra Miroslaw was awarded a diamond, a painting, and a vacation by the Polish government.
The generous rewards for these Olympic heroes highlight the immense value placed on their contributions and achievements, reflecting the global appreciation for their exceptional performances at the Paris 2024 Games.
