Russian athletes that received medals during the Sochi Olympics were given a Mercedes Benz. The event took place at the Ceremony on Thursday in which Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev handed out keys to the athletes. In total there were about 44 cars given out to the athletes.
The types of car corresponded to the athlete and the medals they received (gold, silver, bronze). Gold Medalists were given Mercedes GL-Class SUV’s worth $146,500 and the silver medalist were given Mercedes ML-Class, worth $99,500. The bronze medalist were also awarded with Mercedes, they were given Mercedes GLK-Class, which was worth $59,500.
All athletes appreciated the gifts they were given and were very thankful as well. But for the athletes like Yulia Lipnitskaya and Adelina Sotnikova, who are 15 and 17 years, were under the age limit for driving. This didnt stop them from receiving their cars, but this time they received an extra advantage which was a paid-for driver.
On top of the cars, Russia also awarded its athletes with Cash prizes corresponding with their medals. Gold medalists received $120,000, silver medalists $76,000 and bronze medalists $52,000.
Athletes who received multiple gold medals we’re given quite the handful of gifts. Short track speed skater, Victor Ahn won 3 gold medals and 1 bronze giving him four cars and $412,000 cash.
This is not the first team athletes have been awarded with cars. In 2012, athletes who received medals in the London Olympic games were also each given Audi’s. The question is, will South Korea also give its athletes cars in the next 2018 Olympics?
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