It pays to win when you’re a Russian athlete.
Vladimir Putin and his Russian government have rewarded their successful Olympians with cash bonuses and BMWs.
According to Australian outlet news.com.au, athletes that won gold, silver and bronze at Rio 2016 are being financially rewarded for their efforts.
Gold medallists will be paid €50,000 [4 million roubles] and receive a BMW X6. Silver medallists get €30,000 and a BMW X5 while those that came home with a bronze get €20,000 and a BMW X3.
That mean Russian boxer Vladimir Nikitin, who controversially beat Ireland’s Michael Conlan in their quarter final bout, gets a flash car and €20,000 for his efforts. Nikitin was prevented from fighting again on the advice of doctors after reaching the semis. He was forced to forfeit his bout with America’s Shakur Stevenson but was already guaranteed a bronze medal.
President Putin congratulated Olympic medallists at the Kremlin, earlier today, as part of a series of festivities attended by prime minister Dmitry Medvedev and sports minister Vitaly Mutko.
This is not a massive departure for Russia. Previous Olympians have received Mercedes and Audis.
The South African Olympic team also received cash bonuses for medal achievements.
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