The Nordic powerhouse has built the greatest winter sports machine in history. Yet, their medal bonus sits at exactly $0. No luxury apartments, no sports cars. So, how exactly does a country conquer the Olympic world without paying its athletes a single penny?

The 21-year-old has gone from family ski trips to becoming a city flag bearer and competing in the women's slalom at the highest level Hong Kong alpine skier Eloise King Yung-shih has settled into Cortina d'Ampezzo,

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.