The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has welcomed today’s announcement by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to introduce a new “Fit for the Future Olympian Grant,” which will provide USD $10,000 to all Olympians for each edition of the Olympic Games in which they compete, starting from the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

The initiative, backed by a USD $140 million fund per Olympiad, is one of the first commitments of the “Fit For Future” strategic framework to find new ways to support athletes with their long-term sporting endeavours or career transition.

AOC President Ian Chesterman congratulated the IOC and described the payments as critical to athlete welfare and wellbeing.  He noted that the payment complements the AOC’s recently announced AUD $50 million Olympian Futures Fund, both making a significant financial contribution to Olympians.

“There are a combined group of around 14,000 athletes who make up the Summer and Winter Games every four years. To be able to support the whole system is fantastic news and I congratulate the IOC on this financial contribution to athletes globally.”

Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission for Los Angeles 2028, Anna Meares, said this announcement rightly puts athletes at the forefront of funding decisions and recognises they are the heart of the Olympic Games.

“The announcement from the IOC today will be a welcome one for athletes globally. It recognises Olympians are the heart of the Olympic Games and at the forefront of decisions, that will make them not only feel valued but acknowledged for their efforts and contribution.  This will impact thousands going forward and positively change lives beyond the podium.”

Also supporting the announcement, Chef de Mission of the Australian Winter Olympic Team for Milano Cortina 2026 Alisa Camplin, said the announcement acknowledges the commitment made by athletes at every stage of their Olympic journey.

“The journey to achieving an Olympic dream and represent one’s country at the highest level in international sport takes enormous perseverance, courage and sacrifice.

“Young athletes today face multiple barriers and must make hard decisions along the way, so it’s fantastic that through increased financial support from the IOC, that noble pursuit of the Olympic dream remains viable for more young athletes across the world.”

The IOC grant will be delivered through existing National Olympic Committee structures. The IOC will now work on the application and delivery mechanism for the grant with the aim of opening the application process for Milano Cortina 2026 Olympians at the end of this year, and first payments being made in 2027.

The IOC announcement aligns with the AOC’s own athlete funding initiatives. In December 2025, the AOC announced its most significant athlete funding commitment, creating an Olympian Futures Fund and contributing AUD $50 million to support Australian Olympians.

The Olympian Futures Fund provides a retirement grant of AUD $32,000 (for each Olympic Games attended between Milano Cortina and Brisbane 2032) to assist athletes post-career and dedicated assistance for female Olympians returning to competition after childbirth with a AUD $10,000 grant. 

Australia’s Olympians now also receive a selection grant of AUD $5,000 for each Games they attend. 

Athletes who medal at an Olympic Games and who achieve top four results at World Championship or equivalent events continue to receive Athlete Incentive Funding, which offers performance-based support during both Olympic and non-Olympic years. Eligible athletes who finish first can receive AUD $20,000, second AUD $15,000, third AUD $10,000 and now it’s been expanded to fourth place in non-Olympic years, receiving AUD $5,000.

In addition, any Olympians delivering AOC programs including its education program, Olympics Unleashed and philanthropy events are paid appearance fees by the AOC.  AUD $2.5 million was distributed to Australian Olympians between the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games and AUD $800,000 already paid in the current cycle (2026 – 2028).

The AOC recognises the financial sacrifices athletes make in delaying education, employment and long-term career development and are proud to contribute to their financial well being. Together, these grants and payments help support athletes throughout their careers, incentivise longevity in Olympic sport, and assist with their transition beyond competition. 

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