Russian Olympic athletes are rewarded with money instead of luxury cars

Change after 16 years

The Foundation for the Support of Russian Olympic Athletes (RFOR) has announced changes in the tradition of awarding expensive foreign cars to post-Olympic champions and winners.

“In view of the current situation, the fund management has decided to replace cars with cash to reward the champions and winners of the Winter Olympics in Beijing,” RFOR press service said. know.

The ceremony to hand over cars to sports heroes has been held in Moscow eight times since 2006 – usually right after a reception by the head of state.

However, this time, instead of a car, the winners and winners of the Beijing Olympics 2022 will receive a cash equivalent of the state bonus.

That is, the rewards will be equivalent to the following: 4 million rubles for the champion, 2.5 million rubles for the silver medalist, 1.7 million rubles for the bronze medalist. That is the amount that in February 2022 the government promised to allocate from the budget.

So those who have won at the Olympics will receive at least double the prize money. In addition, there are other awards by regions and in sports associations.

This decision (a bonus of money instead of a car) will involve 68 Olympic participants (25 of whom are hockey players). According to the results of the 2022 Olympics, Russia has 15 Olympic champion41 silver medals and 12 bronze medals.

Previously, the non-state fund supporting Olympic athletes was created and funded by Russia’s most successful businessmen. The champions and winners of the 2020 Summer Olympics (to be held in 2021) received BMW cars.

For a gold medal or for some other award – model X5 worth about 6 million rubles, silver medal – X3, bronze medal – also X3, but a little lower, worth 3-4 million rubles.

In 16 years, has changed 4 car manufacturers. Attempts were also made to divide the gifts between “men” and “women”, but ultimately decided to make a classification based on the match between the results of the performance and the cost of the vehicle.

If the issue of gift value aside, it must be admitted that the cash payment option is more convenient and reasonable. The car is a rather bulky gift, it not only brings joy but also brings with it a lot of trouble.

Maintaining a foreign car requires a lot of money and only the highest paid athletes can afford. For example hockey players. On the other hand, having to sell a car as a gift sometimes puts athletes in an awkward position in front of fans.

Many people think that a car is not only a means of transportation and personal property, but also a certain symbol, like a medal. Therefore, its sale is seen as an expression of disrespect to the sponsors.

Also, that gift isn’t right for everyone – for example, in 2018, 15-year-old figure skater Alina Zagitova was rewarded with a car, but she wasn’t old enough to buy it. personal vehicle use.

Contradictory views

There are different opinions on this matter. Some say that Olympic medalists should be given apartments in the areas where they live. This is the real estate, the social responsibility of the state to the athletes, will be the reward of sticking.

Many people find that okay because they are still supported, because this is not the main goal and mission in their life. In such a situation, it’s okay not to have a car.

Athletes can hardly complain, because this is a gift from a sponsor. It may or may not. This is not a state-approved measure of support that is accepted by every athlete. It depends on money from sponsors.

It is expected that the solemn reception ceremony for the winners and winners of the 2022 Olympic Games with the participation of members of the Russian government will take place on April 26.