USOC Sets New Gold Standard

U.S. gold medalists at the Winter Olympics in February will receive $25,000 from the U.S. Olympic Committee. That is $10,000 more than U.S. gold medalists earned in previous Winter Games.

The USOC announced increases in its Operation Gold program at a news conference at Salt Lake City on Saturday.

Silver medalists will earn $15,000, up from $10,000, and bronze medalists will earn $10,000, up from $7,500.

“By rewarding American athletes for medal-winning performances, we hope to provide some much-needed financial assistance for athletes and their families who have dedicated so much of their time and energy to represent our country,” said Scott Blackmun, acting USOC chief executive officer.

Athletes here for a four-day media summit were pleased with the announcement.

“Pretty sweet,” snowboarder Chris Kluge said. “That’ll pay for a long surfing trip.”

Biathlete Jay Hakkinen said the program is appreciated but not necessary.

“The Olympics aren’t about money,” he said. “If the USOC had said the money ran out and you get nothing for winning a gold medal, I’d go for it anyway.”