The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a groundbreaking shift in policy, providing a $10,000 grant to all athletes who participate in the Olympic Games, regardless of their success or financial status. This initiative, beginning with the recent Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, aims to recognize the dedication and effort required for athletes to reach the Olympic level. The IOC anticipates disbursing $140 million to approximately 14,000 summer and winter Olympians. Athletes will receive the funds six months after the Games, contingent upon a clean doping record and adherence to all regulations. IOC Athletes’ Commission President Pau Gasol emphasized the universality of the grant, stating it applies to all participants, not just medalists or athletes from specific countries. The program is part of new IOC President Kirsty Coventry’s reform agenda to strengthen the Olympics’ position in the sporting world, and has received support from former presidential candidate Sebastian Coe, who called it a “historic moment” for the Olympic movement.