The amateur side of the Olympics is gradually being eroded.
From August 8, the world’s finest athletes will compete for medals at the Rio Olympics.
Ireland is sending its largest ever squad and will be hoping to better their London 2012 medal haul. Even if we do manage to beat the six medals attained last time out, the Olympic Council of Ireland will not be dipping into their pockets for bonuses.
Earlier this morning, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee confirmed its 139-person team for Rio 2016. It includes the likes of Caster Semenya, gold medal stars Chad le Clos and Cameron van der Burgh, and the Blitzbokke [Sevens team].
It was confirmed, to EWN Sport, that SASOC will be paying athletes for any medals they bring home. Gold medallists will be given 500,000 Rand [€31,500] with 20% of that going to their coach. Silver medallists will get just over €16,000 while a bronze will earn you €8,000.
SportsJOE contacted the OCI and were told that there were no plans in place to financially reward any of the Irish athletes that do well at Rio 2016.
“We don’t provide bonus payments,” a spokesperson commented.
All for amateur glory though, and the pleasure of watching that tricolour fly as Amhránn na bhFiann is blared across Rio.
