Olympic Games Paris 2024: the dual face of sports and its economic incentive

The Summer Olympics, which opened on July 26 in Paris, have sparked global interest not only for the sports competition but also for the substantial financial rewards that many countries offer their athletes for winning gold medals. In an event that brings together over 200 nations, it is fascinating to analyze how monetary incentives influence the preparation and motivation of athletes. According to a report by Forbes, of the more than 200 countries participating in these Olympic Games, only 33 offer cash prizes to their athletes. This figure highlights how, despite the glory and prestige that comes with winning an Olympic medal, the economic aspect is not negligible for many athletes. Among these 33 countries, only 15 reward their champions with sums exceeding $100,000, an incentive that can represent a significant change in the lives of many athletes. Hong Kong ranks as the country that offers the best rewards to its athletes, providing an astonishing prize of $768,000 for each gold medal. This amount is notable considering that Hong Kong has only achieved two gold medals in its Olympic history. The generosity of this reward can be interpreted as part of a strategy to promote sports among the population and motivate young people to pursue athletic careers in a competitive environment. Israel follows, offering up to $275,000 per gold medal. This country has demonstrated a rise in its sports performance, and this compensation reflects a commitment to the development of its elite athletes. In third place is Serbia, which grants $218,000. The investment in sports in these countries can be seen as a reflection of their desire to shine on the international stage and strengthen their national identity through sports. On the other hand, it is interesting to note that, despite the economic success that can be gained from a medal, a country's performance in the Olympics is not solely linked to financial remuneration. Peru, for example, has achieved four medals in its Olympic history, of which three were silver and one was gold, the first being won in 1948 by Edwin Vásquez. Despite the small number of medals, Peru's achievements have been a source of pride and motivation for new generations of athletes. The historical context of Peruvian sports reveals that, although financial prizes may have an influence, the dedication and effort of the athletes are fundamental. Peru, currently ranked 86th in the historical medal table, has performed better than nations like Paraguay and Bolivia, which speaks to the perseverance of its athletes despite having fewer financial resources. As athletes prepare to compete, another cultural phenomenon has emerged around the Paris Olympics: the Minions. Since their appearance at the opening ceremony, these yellow characters have captured the public's attention, becoming a media trend. The combination of the joy that the Minions convey and the festive atmosphere of the Olympic Games has generated a phenomenon that transcends sports competition. The popularity of the Minions, driven by social media, has become a phenomenon that not only entertains viewers but also provides an opportunity to link pop culture with large-scale sporting events. The Minions have become a symbol of fun and camaraderie, making their presence even more relevant during these Olympic Games. In summary, the Paris 2024 Olympics not only highlight the importance of sports competition and national pride but also open a dialogue about the economic incentives for athletes and the role of culture in promoting global events. As the competitions progress, it will be interesting to see how both the success stories on the podium and the cultural phenomena that arise along the way develop.