The International Olympic Committee will provide every future Olympian a grant of $10,000 for each Games they compete in, establishing a $140m fund per Olympics cycle. Around 14,000 athletes per Games are expected to qualify for this support, which aims to aid sporting careers or transitions away from competition.

Athletes who commit anti-doping violations or breach the Olympic Charter will be excluded from receiving funds. Pau Gasol, chair of the IOC athletes' commission, emphasized that the grant recognizes the sacrifices and dedication required to reach the Olympic stage, distinguishing it from prize money awarded for medals.

This initiative follows World Athletics' decision to award prize money at Paris 2024, where gold medallists received $50,000. IOC president Kirsty Coventry has opposed Olympic prize money but supports finding ways to directly support athletes throughout their journeys.

Applications for the 2026 Winter Olympics will open at year-end, with payments beginning in 2027. The program operates through National Olympic Committee structures and won't be reduced even if athletes already receive IOC support through other programs.