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

While Singapore is better known for its tropical heat, one athlete is currently making history in the heart of the Italian Alps. Faiz Basha Munwar has officially stepped into the spotlight as the sole representative for Singapore at the Winter Olympic Games this year.

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.

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

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.

Of the 25 countries that responded to USA Today's inquiry, Team USA ranks in the middle of the pack. The United States pays $37,500 to athletes who win a gold medal, $22,500 for silver medalists and $15,000 for bronze-medal winners. Those figures rank 15th out of the 25 country sample.