Explore Singapore's journey in winter sports, from its first Olympian in eight years to the challenges and hopes for future growth. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Team USA's Olympic gold payout may surprise you - especially compared to the nearly $800K offered elsewhere.

While the Olympics themselves are a big business every two years, they have maintained one guiding principle since their inception in 1896.