Explore Singapore's journey in winter sports, from its first Olympian in eight years to the challenges and hopes for future growth. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Singapore ranks highest, but top-of-table Norway and other nations do not pay their athletes anything for a podium finish.

For athletes at the ongoing 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, a podium finish can come with six-figure checks.

Basha's just the second athlete from the tropical country — temperature today: 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 Celsius) — to compete at a Winter Games. Born in Singapore, Basha was introduced to ski racing during his time living in Switzerland, when his parents moved there while his dad served as a diplomat.

According to Forbes, several nations have announced cash bonuses for athletes who win medals at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Singapore

Discover Singaporean Alpine skier Faiz Basha's calm approach and unique journey as he prepares for his Winter Olympic debut. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Switzerland-based Faiz Basha found a lack of snow when he returned to Singapore for military service, so he needed to improvise Singaporean Faiz Basha is the first competitor to represent his country in a snow sport at the Olympic Winter Games and his road to the frozen slopes from his tropical nation included unconventional training on in-line

The 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics have brought together thousands of elite athletes, all chasing a place on the podium. While medals are the most visible reward, financial incentives also play a significant role for competitors from certain countries, where governments and sporting bodies offer substantial payouts for podium finishes.

Team USA's Olympic gold payout may surprise you - especially compared to the nearly $800K offered elsewhere.

While the Olympics themselves are a big business every two years, they have maintained one guiding principle since their inception in 1896.