The great Olympic ‘cash cow’

Twenty-two Britons are today the proud holders of Olympic gold medals following their exploits in the Tokyo Games, which ended a week ago.
But while their feats earned them the ultimate Olympic accolade, they have not received any direct financial rewards for their endeavours – unlike their rivals from other competing nations.

Research published by digital coaching provider Ezra has revealed sportsmen and women can make tidy sums if they finish top of the pile.

Team GB finished fourth in the overall medal table and none of the British athletes received any monetary rewards for striking gold.

Yet Italian athletes like Marcell Jacobs (pictured), winner of the individual  100 metres title and a relay gold, can expect to pocket at least $370,000 as an official payment from the Italian Olympic Association for bringing glory to his country.

And although not allowed to compete under their country’s flag, due to long-standing problems relating to state-sponsored drug-taking, ...