Olympic Payday: How Much Money Do Athletes Earn for Medalling?

They're the best of the best. Summer Olympians are breaking records and winning medals. You might think that the joy of winning a medal is enough, but a lot of athletes get an extra incentive: a lump sum of cash for their winning efforts.

But not all countries offer a cash reward. Athletes from the host nation, Great Britain, aren't getting any money for their efforts as the British Olympic Committee (BOC) believes that the medals and efforts are enough. According to the Telegraph, a BOC official said: "It is our view that financial rewards do not significantly impact the motivation of an athlete to reach the Olympic podium. We believe that the drive, dedication and commitment required of Team GB athletes is motivated, first and foremost, by the desire to represent their country to the very best of their ability on the greatest sporting stage in the world, the Olympic Games; and their love of sport."

For those countries that do offer a reward, (and there are many) the colour of the medal determines how much the athletes get. Click the photo below to launch a slideshow revealing the rewards (all in US dollars). These amounts are from each country's Olympic committee and do not include any private rewards, incentives or sponsorships.

The slideshow focuses on countries whose athletes routinely win medals. Other countries also offer incentives but as Canada's Brian Williams said during the parade of nations, "They're not expected to medal in these games."

It's easy to promise the world when you know you don't have to pay for it.

SLIDESHOW: WHICH COUNTRIES GIVE CASH REWARDS TO WINNING ATHLETES?