Singapore ranks highest, but top-of-table Norway and other nations do not pay their athletes anything for a podium finish.

For athletes at the ongoing 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, a podium finish can come with six-figure checks.

The 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics have brought together thousands of elite athletes, all chasing a place on the podium. While medals are the most visible reward, financial incentives also play a significant role for competitors from certain countries, where governments and sporting bodies offer substantial payouts for podium finishes.

Basha's just the second athlete from the tropical country — temperature today: 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 Celsius) — to compete at a Winter Games. Born in Singapore, Basha was introduced to ski racing during his time living in Switzerland, when his parents moved there while his dad served as a diplomat.

Americans who top the podium at the Milan Cortina Games will be in line for a $37,500 bonus. Their competitors could collect as much as $800,000.

Discover Singaporean Alpine skier Faiz Basha's calm approach and unique journey as he prepares for his Winter Olympic debut. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Age of Sports' channel will broadcast his giant slalom and slalom events live on Feb 14 and 16. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

There's no greater honor than winning an Olympic medal, but cold hard cash is also on the line. Which country pays the most at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

Team USA's Olympic gold payout may surprise you - especially compared to the nearly $800K offered elsewhere.

Switzerland-based Faiz Basha found a lack of snow when he returned to Singapore for military service, so he needed to improvise Singaporean Faiz Basha is the first competitor to represent his country in a snow sport at the Olympic Winter Games and his road to the frozen slopes from his tropical nation included unconventional training on in-line

While the Olympics themselves are a big business every two years, they have maintained one guiding principle since their inception in 1896.