It is the ultimate achievement for athletes performing at the top of their sporting ability. But for many gold medal-winning Olympians , the gong around their necks is not the only reward- with the vast majority of countries paying their athletes for their victory. As well as one-off financial incentives provided by the majority of nations, some countries reward their athletes with other benefits - such as free apartments, pensions and monthly stipends for life - while one is to present its winners with art works and valuable gem stones.
Only a small number of countries, including Great Britain, Norway and Sweden, do not pay their athletes for winning an Olympic medal. Hong Kong is the most generous when it comes to paying its athletes - forking out almost $770,000 (£597,300) for each gold medal. In Serbia, athletes who claim gold, silver, or bronze are eligible for a national pension which they can begin to claim from the age of 40.
Meanwhile, Malaysia and Bulgaria offer monthly allowances of almost £700 to gold medallists for the rest of their lives. China has historically offered its athletes rewards such as luxury sea front apartments after the Games, as well as a one-off payment. Poland, however, arguably has the most quirky offerings, paying gold medallists £63,000, alongside a painting from "talented and respected" Polish artists, an investment-grade diamond, and a holiday voucher for two from a travel agency.
This year, those who win individual gold medals will be .