Gina Rinehart, Australia’s wealthiest woman, has disclosed the monetary rewards she will offer to swimmers who excelled at the recent World Championships in Singapore. As a patron of several Olympic sports, including swimming, she is known for providing financial incentives to athletes achieving podium success.
Gold medallist swimmers in individual events will receive a reward of $20,000, while those winning in relay events can expect $5,000 each. Mollie O’Callaghan stands to earn the highest amount, approximately $48,750, following her triumph in the women’s 200m freestyle and the 4x100m freestyle relay, along with silver finishes in the 100m freestyle and the 4x100m medley relay.
Kaylee McKeown isn’t far behind, earning about $43,750 by securing gold in the 100m and 200m women’s backstroke events, complemented by a silver in the medley relay. Lani Pallister, regarded as the goddaughter of Australian swimming icon Dawn Fraser, will take home around $30,000 from her performances, which included winning gold in the 4x200m women’s freestyle relay, a silver in the 800m freestyle, and a bronze in the 1500m freestyle.
Rinehart has announced that payments will be transferred directly to the athletes’ accounts within a fortnight. She expressed her warmth and congratulations towards all competitors, acknowledging the dedication and hard work required to excel at such a high level. Rinehart noted that Australia’s impressive finish—placing second globally—demonstrates the significant progress made since the London Olympics, where the team failed to secure any gold medals.
In her statement, Rinehart acknowledged the vital roles played by parents, coaches, and volunteers behind the scenes in nurturing these athletes. She reiterated her commitment to providing financial bonuses, saying it’s a way to express gratitude for the athletes’ contributions to national pride and excellence. Those like Mollie O’Callaghan, who achieved multiple medals, will receive separate bonuses for each medal earned.
Rinehart’s history of sponsorships is complex; three years ago, she retracted a proposed $15 million sponsorship for netball. Nonetheless, she has garnered praise from athletes, including Cate Campbell, for her significant financial support to Australian swimming. This recognition reinforces her role as a key benefactor in the sporting community.