NZ Team athletes set to receive medal bonuses at Olympic Games

Hamish Kerr celebrates winning gold at the Paris Olympics. Photo / Photosport

New Zealand Team athletes will receive a medal-winning bonus in upcoming Olympic Games for the first time, the New Zealand Olympic Committee has announced.

In addition to sponsorship and provision of uniforms for the New Zealand Team, the outdoors and sports company Kathmandu is offering bonuses to medal winners at February’s Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Gold medallists will receive $5000, $3000 for silver and $2000 for bronze.

Teams of five athletes or more will receive $25,000 for a gold.

Seperate sporting organisations offer winning bonuses at the Olympics, with Kiwi high jump champion Hamish Kerr receiving $83,000 (US$50,000) from World Athletics for his gold medal performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The bonus structure has been developed in consultation with the NZOC Athletes’ Commission.

Richie Patterson, chair of the NZOC Athletes’ Commission, said the commission has enjoyed developing and testing different medal bonus methodologies.

“This is awesome for our Olympic athletes and I’m proud we’re able to help bring this tangible reward to life with thanks to Kathmandu,” said Patterson.

NZOC CEO Nicki Nicol is proud that athletes will be further recognised for all their hard work and dedication.

“I think it’s a nice reward; every one of our athletes goes out there and wears the fern with pride aiming to achieve the very best. For those who do get on the podium, whether at Milano Cortina or Los Angeles, this medal bonus is a great way to say thank you,” she said.

Medal bonus amounts: Individual events (four or fewer athletes):

Gold – $5000 per athlete

Silver – $3000 per athlete

Bronze – $2000 per athlete

Team events (five or more athletes):

Gold – $25,000 per team

Silver – $15,000 per team

Bronze – $10,000 per team