Paris Olympics: Games a gold mine for medallists, with cash, luxury cars, land in store
- Glory for some brings lavish gifts and monetary rewards, as well as streets, schools and bridges named after them
Tareg Hamedi went from being a hard-working student athlete to a national hero and millionaire after landing Saudi Arabia’s second-ever Olympic silver medal in the karate competition in Tokyo three years ago.
Podium finishes remain a rarity for athletes from the Arab world, but those who do manage to get into the top three can expect lavish rewards, from luxury cars to land grants as well as a healthy boost to their bank balances.
Even as the sporting world debates the decision by World Athletics to award US$50,000 to track and field gold medallists at the Paris Olympics, athletes from the region can be sure of much bigger paydays if they can snare a title in France.
In Tokyo, Hamedi missed out on claiming his country’s first gold medal in controversial circumstances when he knocked out his opponent with an illegal high kick in the final and was disqualified.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Hamedi he was a gold medallist in his country’s eyes and the fighter was rewarded with the full five million riyal (US$1.33 million) prize promised to Olympic title winners.
Offering huge financial incentives to medal winners is not unknown elsewhere. Hong Kong fencer Cheung Ka-long banked HK$5 million (US$640,311) for his Tokyo gold, and the city is offering HK$6 million to anyone becoming a winner in Paris, but bestowing honours on champions has a long history in the Arab world.
