Athletics - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 14 - Source: Getty — Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone earned over $100k in prize money at Paris Olympics 2024 (Image via Getty)

5 American track and athletes expected to earn the most from their Paris Olympics exploits, ft. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

Modified Aug 13, 2024 16:55 GMT

American athletes dominated the track and field events at the Paris Olympics 2024, propelling the USA to the top of the medal tally. Of the USA's 40 gold medals, 14 came from track and field, accounting for 34% of their total gold medal haul.

The USA Track and Field team was led by Gabby Thomas and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who combined for a total of four gold medals. The duo were the most decorated athletes at the Paris Olympics and were among the highest earners as well.

USA Track and Field athletes are set to reap significant financial rewards from both the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and World Athletics. While World Athletics is breaking new ground by awarding $50,000 to gold medalists, the U.S. Olympic Committee has a history of rewarding its athletes handsomely, having distributed $37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze during the Tokyo Olympics. They are expected to award a similar amount this year.

Track and field athletes expected to earn the most from Paris Olympics 2024

#5 Noah Lyles

OMEGA House Paris 2024 - Closing Night - (Image via Getty)

Noah Lyles is the fifth-highest-earning American track and field athlete at the Paris Olympics 2024. After winning the gold medal in an epic 100m final, the 27-year-old fought COVID-19 to secure his second and last medal of the Paris Olympics 2024. He will earn $50,000 from World Athletics for his 100m gold, $37,500 and $15,000 from the U.S. Olympic Committee for 100m gold and 200m bronze, respectively.

#4 Sha’Carri Richardson

The Olympic Games-Paris 2024 - (Image via Getty)

Sha'Carri Richardson is expected to receive around $72,500 in prize money for her Paris Olympics medals. She won the silver medal in the women's 100-meter final before leading the USA to a dominant gold in the 4x100m relay. Richardson will receive $12,500 from World Athletics and $37,500 and $22,500 from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

#3 Rai Benjamin

Athletics - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 15 - (Image via Getty)

Rai Benjamin had a memorable campaign at the Paris Olympics 2024, winning his first gold medal in a major championship after years of runner-up finishes. He won the 400m hurdles title before anchoring USA to a gold medal in the 4x400m relay. Benjamin will earn $50,000 and $12,500 for his two gold medals from World Athletics. He will receive $75,000 from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

#2 Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is the second-highest-earning American track and field athlete from the Paris Olympics 2024. She defended her 400m hurdles title, also setting a new world record in the process, and contributed to the USA's 4x400m relay final. She is poised to earn a substantial $62,500 from World Athletics and an additional $75,000 from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

#1 Gabby Thomas

Gabby Thomas had a campaign to remember at the Paris Olympics 2024, winning three gold medals. The Harvard graduate clinched gold in the 200m dash and was a pivotal member of the victorious USA 100m and 400m relay teams. Thomas is set to receive $75,000 from World Athletics and $112,500 from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.