Paris Olympics 2024: From Cows, to Cars, to Apartments - The Surprising Rewards Awaiting Medal Winners

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While the International Olympic Committee (IOC) might not be filling athletes' pockets with prize money at Paris 2024, many countries are sparing no expense to shower their heroes with a treasure trove of unique rewards.

From cows to luxury cars, the incentives for Olympic medalists are as varied as they are extravagant, making the podium even more dazzling.

A Global Smorgasbord of Rewards: From Cows to Cars

In the high-stakes arena of the Olympics, some nations are rolling out the red carpet with rewards that could make any athlete's jaw drop. Take South Korea, for example, a medal of any colour comes with a golden ticket to avoid 18 months of compulsory military service - a coveted prize that can save young athletes from a stint in combat fatigues. This was a godsend for football star Son Heung-min, who used his gold at the Asian Games to sidestep military service with a triumphant smile.

South Korea: A Royal Welcome

But South Korea's generosity doesn't stop there. The country's archery team, which hit the bullseye at Tokyo 2020, were gifted cars by Hyundai, showing that South Korea's gratitude is as high as an eagle's flight.

Poland: Glittering Gold and Luxuries

Poland is no slouch either. Gold medalists in individual events are treated to a veritable cornucopia of rewards: a cash prize of 250,000 zlotys (about $63,000), a two-bedroom apartment, a diamond, a painting, and a holiday voucher. Silver and bronze medalists are also rewarded handsomely, proving that Poland knows how to spread wealth and celebrate its champions.

Indonesia: A Feast of Rewards

Indonesia's rewards are a feast for the senses. Apriyani Rahayu and Greysia Polii, the golden duo of badminton at Tokyo 2020, were promised new houses, meatball restaurants, and even five cows for their efforts. Apriyani also received a plot of land and a house from the district head, and the tourism minister offered them free holidays in the country's most glamorous destinations.

Jordan: A Royal Treat

Jordan went above and beyond for Ahmad Abu Ghaush, the nation's first gold medalist. The Taekwondo champion was showered with 100,000 dinars ($140,000), a car, a luxury watch, and the First Class Order of Distinction from King Abdullah II himself. His coach also received a generous share of the spoils, demonstrating Jordan's commitment to celebrating its sporting stars.

The Philippines: From Gold to Glory

The Philippines showed its deep appreciation for weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who snagged the country's first-ever gold medal, by gifting her two properties and a promotion to staff sergeant in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Philippine Olympic Committee president, Abraham Tolentino, has a track record of rewarding medallists with houses and land, proving that he puts his money where his mouth is.

Iraq: Land and Cash Prizes

In Iraq, football players who qualified for the Olympics were rewarded with more than nine million dinars ($7,200) and a plot of land. Weightlifter Ali Ammar Yasser received a car and a plot of land, with a million-dollar bonus on the line if he brought home a medal-turning the stakes up to eleven.

Malaysia: A Feast for the Gold Medalist

Malaysia's first Olympic gold medalist in Paris won't be worrying about where their next meal is coming from, thanks to a year's worth of free food from Grab. They'll also receive a Chery SUV and a luxury apartment, making Malaysia's rewards the icing on the cake.

India: Travel and SUV Perks

India's Neeraj Chopra, who struck gold in javelin at Tokyo, was lavished with unlimited free air travel for a year from IndiGo and a new seven-seater SUV from a businessman. This shows that India's gratitude for its sporting heroes is as boundless as the sky.

Hong Kong: Lifetime Benefits

In Hong Kong, gold medal-winning fencers Vivian Kong and Cheung Ka-long received lifetime MTR subway tickets and a generous HK$6 million ($770,000) from the Hong Kong Jockey Club. They also scored lifetime gym memberships and free business class travel for a year from Cathay Pacific, underscoring Hong Kong's commitment to its champions. From land to luxury, the incentives offered show that the podium is just the beginning of the celebration!