Australian Paralympians will get paid the same as Olympians for winning medals in Paris.
The Federal Government has announced 2024 Paralympic gold medallists will be entitled to $20,000 — if they commit to continuing in elite sport.
The financial incentive is the same for Australians who won gold at this year’s Olympic Games.
Here’s how it works.
Background
Paris Olympic medallists are eligible for funding from the Australian Olympic Committee’s ‘Medal Incentive Fund’ (MIF).
For gold medallists, that incentive was $20,000. Silver was $15,000, and bronze was $10,000.
Athletes receive one payment based on their best result if they stay in their sport after one year. For example, an athlete who won one gold and two silvers will only be paid $20,000.
The MIF is designed to act as an incentive to keep athletes in the sport at an elite level.
Paralympics
A joint statement from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Sport Anika Wells said para-athletes will have “the same financial incentives for winning medals at the Paris Games as our Olympians.”
Funding for the incentives will come from the Federal Government.
It follows a commitment by the previous Coalition Government in 2021. Before the Tokyo Games, Australian Paralympic medallists were not compensated via any similar incentive payment.
Response
Six-time Paralympic medallist Madison de Rozario said the funding showed para-athletes are “valued”.
“It also tells the public that athletes with a disability are equal with non-disabled athletes,” she said.
Paralympics Australia President Alison Creagh said the announcement would help para-athletes stay in their sport.
“Our athletes can continue to achieve greatness… Knowing that their achievements are valued equally to their Olympic colleagues will give our athletes more confidence and motivation to compete at their best.”
The Paralympics begin this Thursday (AEST). Australia is sending 160 para-athletes across 17 sports.
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