The International Olympic Committee revealed on Wednesday that it has created the “Fit for the Future Olympian Grant” program that will provide $10,000 in support of athletes competing at the Olympic Games.
Details of the program were outlined during the 146th IOC Session in Lausanne, Switzerland with IOC president Kirsty Coventry introducing the grants as part of a duty to aid the career transitions of athletes.
“Our responsibility is to build on the strong foundations that have been laid by those who came before us,” Coventry said. “Our responsibility is to prepare for generations that will follow us. Fit for the Future is designed to build on those strengths. It was designed as a genuine opportunity to listen, to reflect and to shape the future of our Movement together.”
At the session, five themes were addressed: athletes, Olympic Games, Olympic movement, Olympic impact and engagement and revenue — with clear goals for each area and the grant will be positioned as a financial supplement.
Built out of a $140 million fund that will be set aside per Olympic Games, the grant is expected to cover 14,000 Olympians with athletes from the 2026 Milan Cortina Games earlier this year also receiving compensation.
“This grant will be available to every Olympian,” Athletes’ Commission chair Pau Gasol said. “Not just medal winners. Not just athletes from certain countries. Every Olympian. Because, while every athlete’s journey is different, every Olympian has made sacrifices to reach the Olympic stage. Years of dedication. Years of hard work. Years of believing in a dream.”
Olympians are eligible for the grant in four year cycles and if an athlete chooses to not apply for the program, their funds will stay in the fund and allocated toward future recipients.
