Russia reward its gold medalists with Mercedes GL

Following every Olympic Games, athletes who win medals are usually rewarded by their country. In light of this year’s result, Russia chose to give their winning athletes luxury SUVs on top of the usual cash prize.

For each gold medalist, Russia will offer a Mercedes-Benz GL Class, as well as a $120,000 dollar purse. Those who brought home a silver medal will receive $76,000 and a brand new Mercedes ML, and the athletes who scored bronze medals will drive home in a Mercedes GLK with a check of $52,000. All the vehicles are white, with the Olympic logo on the hood.

For some athletes, like Julia Lipnitskaya (gold medal in figure skating) who is only 15 years old and cannot drive yet, the officials will provide a professional driver.

Some Olympic medalists are not so well rewarded, tough. For example, Dario Cologna won two gold medals in skiing. Since Switzerland does not offer a winner’s purse, his hometown, Davos, gave him a little piglet… which he named Sochi!