The Tokyo 2020 Games were the best since Athens 2004 for the Australian delegation in terms of titles and podiums. The National Olympic Committee (AOC) will not complain, but last year’s collective result is not without consequences for its finances. The body chaired by John Coates announced on Monday 7 March that it had distributed the sum of 1.485 million Australian dollars (1.02 million euros at the current rate) to 108 athletes as part of its “Medal Incentive Funding” (MIF) programme. With 17 gold, seven silver and 22 bronze medals at the Tokyo Olympics, 108 athletes in 15 disciplines will receive a cheque. The awards were set at USD 20,000 for gold, USD 15,000 for silver and USD 10,000 for bronze. The COA programme distributes financial support based on medals won at the Olympic Games and at benchmark international events, such as world championships in non-Olympic years. Athletes are only entitled to one payment, so multiple medallists are paid at the level of their best result, and each athlete in team events is entitled to funding. The Australian Olympic Committee has distributed over $10 million in medal bonuses since the Rio 2016 Games.
