Team USA has just one last glimmer of hope to bring a gold medal in boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. And that hope is Orlando, Florida native Omari Jones. Andre Ward won the gold medal in boxing at the 2004 Olympics, the last time an American male did it. So Jones has a lot of pressure and responsibility on his shoulders to make his country proud. 

Out of the 8 boxers part of USA Boxing, seven fighters have all been eliminated, leaving just Jones to continue competing. Despite having a modest upbringing, the young fighter has achieved the distinction of representing his nation at the pinnacle of international competition. However, what does he get apart from the medal if he wins the gold in Paris? Let’s find out.

Omari Jones’ potential earnings according to the USOPC

Unlike most countries in the world, the US does not pay prize money to its athletes who bring home medals from the Olympics. That is done by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), an independent agency that gives winning athletes prize money received from fundraising and endowments. USOPC has a set compensation structure that hasn’t changed in years. The gold medal winner receives $37,500 from the USOPC. Furthermore, the silver and bronze medalists receive $22,500 and $15,000 respectively. In addition, the USOPC also pays for the athletes’ health insurance in its entirety. The US ranks 18th in the world in terms of prize money given to gold medal winners, which clearly shows that winning for Team USA is not as financially lucrative as most Americans think.

Circling back to Jones, he is inching closer to clinching the gold medal with his August 7th fight against Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev of Uzbekistan. The semifinal is set to take place at the Roland Garros Stadium. Even if he doesn’t win gold, the Orlando native will be awarded a bronze medal and the $15,000 prize money from the USOPC. 

It is important to make a note that Omari Jones is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in business at Valencia College. Along with that, he also has his own clothing line that he started to fund his Olympic dream. Interestingly, along with the prize money from the USOPC, Olympic medalists in boxing will also receive prize money from the IBA. 

Will Omari Jones be paid by IBA if he wins an Olympic medal?

The IBA (International Boxing Association) a few months ago declared that they will compensate all medal winners from the 2024 Olympics in Paris, despite being barred from organizing it. This move was taken in an attempt to support athletes, coaches, and the National Federation as well. IBA President Umar Kremlev announced that the gold medalists will receive an amount of $100,000 as a reward. 

Reportedly, the athlete with a gold medal will receive $50,000 for themselves, $25,000 will go to the National Federation and the coach will receive $25,000. For a silver medal, the athlete will be awarded $25,000 and the remaining $25,000 will be distributed evenly between the coach and the National Federation. For a bronze medal, $12,500 will be given to the athlete, and $12,500 will be evenly distributed between the coach and the National Federation. In addition, the competitors who placed fifth but lost in the quarterfinals will each receive $10,000. So all in all, with each success Omari Jones has in the coming days, the check only gets bigger.

Meanwhile, do you think Omari Jones will bring home a gold medal? We certainly hope so. Share your views about this in the comments below.