Singapore ranks highest, but top-of-table Norway and other nations do not pay their athletes anything for a podium finish.

While Singapore is better known for its tropical heat, one athlete is currently making history in the heart of the Italian Alps. Faiz Basha Munwar has officially stepped into the spotlight as the sole representative for Singapore at the Winter Olympic Games this year.

Basha’s just the second athlete from the tropical country — temperature today: 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 Celsius) — to compete at a Winter Games. Born in Singapore, Basha was introduced to ski racing during his time living in Switzerland, when his parents moved there while his dad served as a diplomat.

For athletes at the ongoing 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, a podium finish can come with six-figure checks.

Age of Sports' channel will broadcast his giant slalom and slalom events live on Feb 14 and 16. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

He will be taking part in the giant slalom on Feb 14, followed by the slalom two days later. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The IOC doesn't award prize money, but some countries offer six-figure payouts and more for a podium finish at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Games.

Americans who top the podium at the Milan Cortina Games will be in line for a $37,500 bonus. Their competitors could collect as much as $800,000.