Olympic Games Paris 2024: Medals and financial rewards in the competition.

The inauguration of the XXXIII edition of the Summer Olympic Games in Paris on July 26, 2024, marks the beginning of an event that not only celebrates athletics and competition but also highlights the disparities in the financial compensation that countries offer their athletes. As athletes prepare to face the best in the world, the expectation of bringing home a gold medal represents not only a personal achievement but also a significant financial reward that can change their lives. An analysis conducted by Forbes has revealed that of the more than 200 countries participating in this Olympic edition, only 33 will offer monetary rewards to their athletes who win a medal. Of these, 15 countries have set compensation amounts exceeding $100,000, a figure that reflects the value placed on success in sports. This fact underscores how support and investment in sports can motivate athletes to reach their full potential. The country leading this list is Hong Kong, which will compete independently from China and has decided to grant the impressive sum of $768,000 to its gold medalists. This substantial reward is even more remarkable considering that Hong Kong has only achieved two gold medals in the history of the Olympic Games. The situation of this nation highlights the importance placed on sports, even if its history has not been rich in successes. Israel ranks a solid second, offering $275,000 to its Olympic champions. This decision reflects a commitment from the country to foster sports talent and adequately reward those who achieve medals. In third place, Serbia provides $218,000, a significant incentive that will surely encourage its athletes to give their all on the track or field. Despite many countries striving to motivate their athletes through monetary rewards, Peru, which has had a modest performance in Olympic history, cannot compete with these figures. The Peruvian delegation has obtained a total of only four medals over the years, a number that underscores the need for greater support and investment in local sports. The gold, silver, and bronze medals won in shooting and women's volleyball reflect a notable effort, but also a path still to be traveled in achieving greater sports accomplishments. Throughout its history, Peruvian sports have had standout moments, starting with Edwin Vásquez and his gold medal in London 1948. However, the desire to improve and expand this medal haul is a sentiment shared by many. The scarcity of resources and lack of infrastructure are factors that limit the potential of many talents in the country. Meanwhile, the world's attention is not only focused on the athletes and their rewards but also on the pop culture surrounding these Olympic Games. In this context, the Minions have emerged as an unexpected trend following the inauguration. These yellow characters from the animated film have captured the public's attention, becoming symbols of fun and camaraderie, which adds a lighthearted touch to the competitive atmosphere of the Games. The combination of athletic competition and cultural entertainment not only attracts sports fans but also opens a conversation about the image the Olympic Games should project in a world that seeks both personal achievement and shared joy. The presence of the Minions in the Olympic context can be seen as a reminder that, while triumph is important, fun and unity are also essential values in the Olympic spirit. Thus, as athletes prepare to leave their mark in history, the world observes not only their efforts to win medals but also how the cultural and economic context influences the way this monumental event is lived and celebrated. The intersection of sports, compensation, and culture becomes a fascinating topic of analysis within the framework of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.