Paralympians who win medals at the Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games will receive financial rewards as part of a new government investment.
Gold medallists will be awarded $20,000, silver medallists will receive $15,000 and bronze medallists will get $10,000.
These awards bring Paralympians in line with Olympic medallists, whose reward payments are funded by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).
Paralympics Australia has welcomed the government’s backing. And the minister for sport Anika Wells made the announcement on Monday, ahead of the Paris Paralympics Opening Ceremony on August 28.
In a statement, Wells said “the Albanese Government is thrilled to provide the nation’s Paralympians with the same financial incentives for winning medals at the Paris Games as our Olympic medallists – and I know all Australians will be too.”
“This medal incentive payment is on top of our record-breaking budget funding for Para-sport of $54.9 million in additional investment,” she said, adding that this “is the largest ever funding for Para-sport and helps us develop the next Madi De Rozario and Ellie Cole.”
Australian Paralympian Madison De Rozario responded to the announcement as well, saying that the government’s support “tells us as Paralympians that we are valued. It also tells the public that athletes with a disability are equal with non-disabled athletes”.
“Paralympians aren’t here in Paris for money – we’re here in the green-and-gold because of what it means to us to compete for our country.”
Paralympics Australia President Alison Creagh spoke on the importance of the government’s backing as well, saying their investment “signalled recognition of the dedication required to succeed at Paralympic level”.
“Our Paralympic athletes are role models who inspire the nation and we know they will have Australia cheering them on when they compete in the weeks ahead.”
“Paralympics Australia is grateful, particularly to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Minister for Sport Anika Wells, for their commitment to the Paralympic Movement in Australia. Their support ensures that our athletes can continue to achieve greatness and inspire future generations.”
Creagh said confirmation of medal rewards, which were first provided to Paralympians at Tokyo 2020, was timely in supporting the athletes.
“Knowing that their achievements are valued equally to their Olympic colleagues will give our athletes more confidence and motivation to compete at their best.
“Many of our Paralympians face significant financial strain as they pursue success on the world stage. This support rewards their success and acknowledges the broader challenges they face.”
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will start on 29 August and will run until 9 September. More than 4,400 athletes from around the world will compete in 549 medal events. From Australia, 160 athletes will compete across 17 events.