Suvi Minkkinen, a Finnish biathlete, has secured a bronze medal in the 10-kilometer pursuit event at the upcoming 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics, earning her a prize of €20,000. The Finnish Olympic Committee has established a system whereby athletes receive monetary rewards based on the medal they achieve; gold medalists earn €50,000, while silver medalists receive €30,000, and bronze medalists, like Minkkinen, are awarded €20,000.

The funds awarded to the athletes are deposited into a sports fund and are subject to taxes when withdrawn. This system is designed to support athletes financially, allowing them to either cover their sports expenses or take home the winnings after taxes. According to Janne Hänninen, the director of high-performance sports for the Finnish Olympic Committee, there may also be bonuses available from sports federations and sponsors, adding another layer of financial incentive for athletes.

It is noteworthy that the International Olympic Committee does not provide cash prizes for medalists; they only award the medals themselves. The additional funds provided by the Finnish Olympic system reflect the country's commitment to supporting its elite athletes in their pursuit of Olympic success and the recognition of their hard work and dedication.