New Zealand Olympic athletes will receive cash bonuses for winning medals at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, thanks to a new agreement with official apparel partner Kathmandu.

In addition to sponsorship and the provision of official uniforms, Kathmandu will fund a structured medal bonus scheme developed with the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) Athletes’ Commission.

Under the scheme, athletes in individual events will receive $5,000 for gold, $3,000 for silver and $2000 for bronze.

Richie Patterson, chair of the commission, said the initiative rewards athletes for their success on sport’s biggest stage.

“This is awesome for our Olympic athletes and I’m proud we’re able to help bring this tangible reward to life with thanks to Kathmandu,” he said.

Wānaka athletes excelled at the last Winter Olympics held in Beijing (2022) with snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (one gold and one silver medal), freeskier Nico Porteus (one gold medal), skier Adam Hall (two bronze medals), and sit skier Corey Peters (one gold and one silver) winning medals, making it New Zealand’s most successful Winter Olympics to date.

Local snowsports athletes have recently delivered strong performances on the World Cup circuit, with multiple podiums in major events, in the lead in to the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics which begin on Waitangi Day (February 6).

PHOTO: Andrew Wevers FIS Park & Pipe