As 2024 comes to a close, athletes worldwide are celebrating their victories, but a glaring disparity has emerged between the rewards for Olympic and Paralympic gold medalists. A CNN Sport analysis reveals significant differences in bonuses, with Paralympic champions often receiving considerably less than their Olympic counterparts.

Of the 205 nations and territories competing in the Paris 2024 Games, at least 74 countries provided prize money to Olympic gold medalists, while only 55 extended similar rewards to Paralympic medalists. Furthermore, only 30 nations awarded equal bonuses to both groups of athletes.

For example, Singapore awarded its Olympic gold medalists 1 million Singapore dollars (approximately $770,000), while Paralympic champions received half that amount. Similarly, Hong Kong’s Paralympic gold medalists were awarded HK$1.5 million (around $190,000), compared to HK$6 million (around $770,000) for their Olympic peers.

Vietnam exhibited the largest discrepancy identified: Olympic gold medalists were promised $1 million, while Paralympic champions received just $15,700—less than 2% of the Olympic bonus.

This disparity is not universal. Some countries, such as Canada, Georgia, and Australia, offer equal bonuses to Olympic and Paralympic champions. Australia awards AU$20,000 (around $13,400) to both groups, while Georgia is among the most generous, offering $370,000 to all gold medalists.

Structural Challenges and Athlete Reactions

The differences in rewards often stem from how Olympic and Paralympic committees are funded and governed. In some countries, separate entities manage these committees, leading to unequal resource allocation. For example, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee relies entirely on private funding, while other nations, such as Great Britain and China, receive significant government support.

Paralympic athletes and advocates have voiced their frustration. Nine-time Paralympic gold medalist Hannah Cockroft called the discrepancies “frustrating,” urging greater parity in rewards. “We want parity, and that’s what we push for every time,” she told Sky Sports.

Ian Brittain, an expert in Paralympic sports, noted that these disparities reinforce systemic discrimination against disabled people, who often face greater personal and financial barriers to success.

Steps Toward Equality

There are signs of progress. Countries like Latvia and Lithuania have moved toward parity, with Lithuania pledging to equalize bonuses soon. Australia’s recent increase in Paralympic funding now provides higher per-athlete support for para-athletes than their able-bodied counterparts.

British athletes, meanwhile, receive government and National Lottery funding rather than direct bonuses. Sarah Storey, Great Britain’s most decorated Paralympian, said this approach is beneficial for planning but added that additional funding for equipment and preparation would further support para-athletes.

As nations continue to reassess their funding models, the push for equitable treatment of Olympic and Paralympic champions remains an ongoing battle, reflecting broader societal challenges in achieving equality.