Amusan, Brume Others Set To Benefit From IOC’s $100 Million Athlete Grant Initiative

Amusan, Brume Others Set To Benefit From IOC’s $100 Million Athlete Grant Initiative

Sampson Adedeji 

Nigerian athletics stars such as Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume are among thousands of Olympians worldwide expected to benefit from a new athlete support programme announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), BSNSports.com.ng reports

Under a major policy shift introduced by newly elected IOC President Kirsty Coventry, the Olympic body has committed more than $100 million in direct cash grants to athletes following both the Winter and Summer Olympic Games.

Although the IOC has stressed that the initiative should not be regarded as official prize money, the move represents a significant breakthrough for athletes and advocacy groups that have long campaigned for greater financial support for Olympians.

As part of the programme, athletes who participate in the Olympic Games will be eligible to apply for a grant of $10,000 after competition.

The initiative will first be implemented at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, where nearly 2,900 athletes are expected to benefit. 

It will then be expanded to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, covering approximately 11,000 athletes.

To qualify for the grants, athletes must satisfy established eligibility requirements, including compliance with anti-doping regulations. 

The funds will be distributed through National Olympic Committees before reaching the athletes.

The announcement comes amid growing discussions about athlete compensation at major sporting events.

 It follows the decision by World Athletics to introduce prize money for gold medal winners at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

For Nigerian Olympians, including Amusan, Brume and other athletes who qualify for future Olympic Games, the initiative provides an additional financial incentive and support mechanism as they continue preparations for the world's biggest sporting event.