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

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.

SINGAPORE: Singapore alpine skier Faiz Basha overcame tricky conditions in the first run of the men's slalom at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, Italy, to finish 35th overall on Monday (Feb 16).

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.

Americans who top the podium at the Milan Cortina Games will be in line for a $37,500 bonus. Their competitors could collect as much as $800,000.

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