Olympic medallists slam IOC president for comments on athlete pay

May 27, 2026

International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry has triggered global backlash after saying she does not believe Olympians should be paid to compete at the Games.

“I don’t believe in paying athletes,” Coventry told Sport Nation last week. “I come from a small country, I came from a sport that doesn’t necessarily pay athletes very well, and I still don’t think we should be paying athletes at the Olympic Games.”

The reaction online was immediate, with countless Olympic champions and world record holders chiming in. Many questioned why the athletes wouldn’t get paid while members of the IOC receive generous salaries. “Can athletes pay mortgages with memories of performing in a nice stadium?” One user asked on X.

The current funding model for Olympic athletes sees them supported by their national sporting governing bodies (Athletics Canada), brand sponsorships and, in many cases, by themselves. And the Olympic Games themselves don’t actually pay athletes, either, even if they win.

“They get beautiful venues, beautiful villages and a beautiful experience,” Coventry, who won the 200m backstroke Olympic gold for Zimbabwe in 2004, said. “And all of that comes from the money that we raise.” CANADIAN Running Magazine