Ukrainian boxer Usyk pledges prize money for Olympic boxing medals
Oleksandr Usyk, the undefeated Ukrainian heavyweight, has publicly committed to rewarding his fellow countrymen who win medals in the boxing tournament at Paris 2024. The promise comes through Dmitry Sosnovsky, the head coach of the Ukrainian boxing team, who conveyed Usyk’s intention to support the athletes using his own resources. Sosnovsky stressed that Usyk intends to recognize fighters at every podium level, directing funds to medalists as a powerful gesture of national pride and a personal incentive for those who carry Ukraine onto the Olympic stage.
The coach outlined concrete prize figures tied to medal finishes. A first place would bring eighty thousand dollars, a silver medal would earn seventy thousand dollars, and bronze would be rewarded with fifty thousand dollars. This initiative is presented as a direct personal commitment from Usyk, distinct from any federation prize or external sponsorship. The funds are described as coming from Usyk himself, underscoring a strong show of solidarity with the team and Ukraine’s boxing community as they prepare for a demanding Olympic campaign.
Paris 2024 boxing events are scheduled from late July to early August, featuring a robust slate of thirteen medal opportunities across seven men’s events and six women’s events. The program will highlight a diverse range of weight classes and a large field of athletes who have trained extensively to reach Olympic competition. Fans in North America and Ukraine alike are anticipated to closely follow the journey of these boxers, with each bout representing years of dedication and the wide hopes tied to Olympic success.
Geopolitical tensions provide an additional backdrop to the Games. The International Olympic Committee has implemented suspensions and rules impacting some national teams. In response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, the IOC suspended Russian and Belarusian athletes and advised federations to limit participation by competitors from those nations in international events. In December of the prior year, the IOC allowed Russian athletes to enter Paris under a neutral status and with conditions meant to safeguard fair play and Olympic principles. This evolving policy landscape shows how political events can intersect with elite sport, shaping how teams prepare, qualify, and compete on the world stage. The 2024 Olympic scene also reflects ongoing regional dynamics and the presence of athletes who have historically competed under neutral identifiers or as part of broader international teams, highlighting the complexity of modern Olympic participation.