Australia’s all-conquering Commonwealth Games swimmers have smashed the million-dollar barrier in bonuses from billionaire benefactor Gina Rinehart.
Ahead of the final day of their record-breaking medal spree in Glasgow, the Dolphins were already over the million-dollar mark and the final flurry has taken that figure to a whopping $1,272,500.
The Dolphins, who’ve amassed 75 medals and a record 36 golds at the Games, have certainly hit the jackpot.
Incredibly, the team has shattered the previous record haul of 28 golds set at the Gold Coast Games of 2018.
Adding to the cash total was the staggering deadheat between Kyle Chalmers in the 50m and Ben Armbruster, who both hit the wall together in a Games record of 22.73 seconds to share the gold medal.
The swimming bonuses are thanks to the largesse of mining magnate Rinehart and her Hancock Prospecting company.
With individual gold medallists in the pool receiving $20,000, silver medallists $15,000 and bronze winners $10,000 each per event, as well as each relay champion picking up $5000 each per event, the most successful Dolphins have cashed in big-time.
World records received a $30,000 bonus for individual events and $7500 per person for relays, but Rinehart was spared that money for none were broken.
Individual triple gold medallist Lani Pallister, who had enthusiastically supported Rinehart’s intervention by saying in a Hancock press release “we’re so incredibly grateful for everything she does for us and she continually goes above and beyond”, has earned $80,000.
Sam Short’s three freestyle golds and a relay triumph earned him $65,000, while Meg Harris’s six gold medals (four relays and two individual) saw her pocket $60,000.
“Warmest congratulations to all our swimmers and athletes who competed in Glasgow and did Australia proud. A spectacular effort,” Rinehart said said in a statement.
“Few people, outside of the swimming families, truly understand the years of hard work, discipline and sacrifice required to compete at this international level. Yet again, our Aussie swimmers, punched well above our population size.
“Our swimmers have come so far since the London Olympics, where just one swimming gold medal was won, to now standing as the second-best swimming nation in the world.
“This success also reflects the years of sacrifice from parents, coaches and volunteers behind the scenes who help the swimmers make these fantastic results possible.
“I’m pleased to be able once again to provide financial rewards to our medal winners in the sports where I’m Patron. It’s a way of saying thank you and showing appreciation for their dedication and achievements, the pride they make Australians feel, right across our country, and for being the inspiring young ambassadors that they truly are.”
- With 7NEWS.com.au
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