The Tokyo Olympics of 2021 marked a significant milestone for Paralympic athletes, as they finally received the long-overdue recognition they deserved. The US Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) announced that Paralympians and Olympians would earn the same pay for their medals, a change that had been eagerly awaited since the 2018 Winter Olympics. Paralympic athletes now receive a substantial increase in prize money, with gold medalists earning $37,500, silver medalists receiving $22,500, and bronze medalists getting $15,000. This marked a significant improvement from the previous payouts of $7,500 for gold, $5,250 for silver, and $3,750 for bronze.
The USOPC's decision to equalize pay was a step in the right direction, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of Paralympic athletes. CEO Sarah Hirshland emphasized the importance of recognizing their accomplishments and ensuring they are appropriately rewarded. Paralympic athletes who competed in the 2021 Games were retroactively awarded fair pay, and for the first time, they earned increased compensation in real-time.
However, while equal pay is a positive development, the Paralympic Games still face challenges in providing adequate accommodations for some athletes. Swimmer Becca Meyers, who is deaf and blind, withdrew from the 2021 competition due to the USOPC's denial of her request for a trusted personal care assistant (PCA). Meyers expressed her frustration and disbelief at this lack of progress, highlighting the ongoing fight for the rights of disabled athletes.
Financial challenges continue to impact both Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The average cost for athletes is $12,000, as per a recent report from the Commission on the State of US Olympics & Paralympics. The cost of specialized equipment, such as racing wheelchairs, can be significant, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Replacement tires for these wheelchairs can cost around $1,000 each. US Olympic medalist for artistic swimming Daniella Ramirez shared her financial struggles, revealing that her earnings barely cover her rent. She expressed hope for a future where her team has access to a dedicated performance facility.