How much money do U.S. Olympians like Lindsey Vonn and Chloe Kim take home after the Winter Olympics? Former figure skater Adam Rippon reveals truth behind earnings

The 2026 Winter Olympics are past the midway mark, and Team USA has stayed in the spotlight. The team figure skating squad won gold. Chloe Kim earned a silver medal in the snowboard halfpipe. Madison Chock and Evan Bates also finished second in ice dancing. More medal chances are still ahead. Fans around the world continue watching closely as athletes compete at their highest level. The performances have created excitement and raised new questions about the lives of Olympians.

Many fans assume Olympic athletes earn big salaries during the Milano Cortina Games. The reality is very different. Competing at the Olympics requires years of training and heavy spending. Athletes travel often and work with coaches, trainers, and equipment specialists. Because of this, many fans now want to know how much they are actually paid. Former U.S. figure skater Adam Rippon recently explained the situation and surprised many people with his answer.

Winter Olympics participation does not come with a salary

Adam Rippon, who won bronze in the 2018 team figure skating event, spoke about the topic during an NBC News LA interview. He made it clear that athletes do not earn money simply for competing at the Olympics.




“Damn, I wish,” Rippon joked in the clip posted on TikTok. “No, you don’t. Actually, you don’t get paid to go to the Olympics at all.”

He added that athletes still face large expenses while attending the Games.

“So, as an athlete, you still have the expenses of bringing your coach there. You do get paid by the U.S. Olympic Committee if you win a medal. It’s nothing substantial in comparison to your expenses of being an athlete. But that’s the only time that you’ll make money. You’re just there, and you’re racking up a bill”, he added.

The only direct earnings come from medals. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee provides “Operation Gold” bonuses. Athletes previously received $37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze. These payments apply to each medal won. Multiple medals increase total earnings, but they rarely cover years of training costs.

In simple terms, Rippon suggested that Olympians mainly compete for honor, not income. He explained that participation alone brings no salary. Only medal winners receive limited payments. Athletes often still spend more money than they earn while representing their country.




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