With just 1 day to go for the 2024 Paris Olympics, have you been trying to brush up on your Summer Games knowledge? We wouldn’t judge you. While it is easy to find out how many medals a certain athlete has won or how many games they have been a part of, some questions still remain unanswered. Shooting has made the slow climb to popularity and has been a part of both the Summer and Winter Games. But many ardent fans still don’t know how it found its way on the roster.

The sport became a permanent fixture at the Olympics during the 1900 Paris Summer Games. Unlike now, live pigeons were used as targets during its debut. This was the only time an event caused harm to the animals involved. Over the years, many have watched their favorites receive the coveted Olympic medal. However, apart from recognition, do Olympic shooters get paid? Or is their contention in the games free? Let’s find out!

How much can an Olympic shooter earn?

Keeping with the spirit of competition, the Olympic Games don’t offer direct prizes to the athletes. However, World Athletics made a surprise announcement in April. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, athletes who complete a first-place finish in the track and field events will receive prize money and the coveted gold. They have set aside a massive prize pot of $2.4 million from the IOC’s revenue share allocation. However, gold medalists will only receive $50,000.

The prize money is only available to the athletes who clinch the coveted Olympic gold. However, the silver and bronze medalists will receive this prize during the 2028 LA Olympics. Even though this previously wasn’t a practice, athletes would still receive compensation from their nation’s Olympic committee. According to a 2021 CNBC report, US athletes at the top of the podium received a prize of $37,000.

Meet the Olympic shooters with most medals

Since the sport’s inclusion at the Summer Games in 1900, it has been through several changes. One of the most recent changes was during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Instead of the men’s air rifle, trap, and air pistol events, mixed events were introduced. However, given the sport’s rich history, 5 athletes share the title of being Olympic shooters with the most medals. Who are these Olympic shooters? Carl Osburn participated in 3 Summer Games between 1912 to 1924. Willis A. Lee contested at the 1920 Antwerp games.

Norway’s Ole Lilloe-Olsen participated in the 1920 and 1924 games. Alfred Lane claimed a few medals at the 1912 and 1920 Olympics. Moris Fisher clinched several Olympic gold medals during his stint at the 1920 and 1924 Summer Games. All these men have 5 Olympic gold medals, the most any shooter has won. However, as a nation, the U.S. has won the most medals in shooting. Now that you know some cool facts about Olympic shooting, are you ready to watch your favorites compete in the French capital?