In a significant victory for equality in sports, Australian Paralympians are now set to receive the same medal bonuses as their Olympic peers.

Minister for Sport Anika Wells made this thrilling announcement on Monday, perfectly timed for the Paris 2024 Paralympics Opening Ceremony on August 28.

“The Albanese Government is ecstatic to offer the nation’s Paralympians the same financial rewards for winning medals at the Paris Games as our Olympic medallists, and I know all Australians will share in this excitement,” she stated.

How much do Paralympians get paid in Australia?

(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

So, what does this entail financially? The medal bonuses for Australian Olympians are quite substantial: gold medallists earn $20,000, silver medallists receive $15,000, and bronze medallists get $10,000.

Now, Paralympians will reap the same financial benefits — a monumental leap forward in acknowledging their dedication and hard work.

Alison Creagh, President of Paralympics Australia, expressed her views, underscoring the significance of government support. She remarked, “Knowing that their accomplishments are valued equally to their Olympic counterparts will boost our athletes’ confidence and drive to excel in competition.

“Many of our Paralympians face significant financial challenges while striving for success on the global stage. This support not only rewards their achievements but also recognizes the broader hurdles they overcome.”

Para-athletes have had a long fight for equality

This is not a sudden development; it has been a lengthy and challenging battle for Paralympians to achieve equal medal bonuses. They have campaigned for years to bridge this gap, with the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics bringing heightened attention to the issue.

Public support has been pivotal in this struggle, as many Australians stood behind the cause, advocating for equal recognition of para-athletes.

Most notably, Olympic Rugby Sevens champion Chloe Dalton initiated a GoFundMe to raise awareness and funds to support cash bonuses within the community.

Image: Chloe’s GoFundMe page/ GoFundMe

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison intervened, announcing funding to ensure Paralympians would receive medal bonuses. He expressed his desire to share “Australia’s joy and pride” in its para-athletes when he made the announcement.

Aussie Paralympians are set to win a significant number of medals this year

At the Tokyo 2020 Games, our Paralympians brought home an impressive 60 medals, including 13 golds. This year, 160 athletes are representing Australia in 17 events. This includes para-cyclist Alistair Donohoe, a five-time track world champion who has won an astounding four Paralympic medals, now aiming for gold in Paris. Para-athletics star Madison de Rozario will participate in her third Paralympics as a flag bearer.

He also deserves a medal for that mullet. (Photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images)

Madison expressed her delight with the announcement of equal bonuses, thrilled that it reinforces their worth in the sporting world.

“This support tells us as Paralympians that we are valued. It also sends a message to the public that athletes with disabilities are equal to non-disabled athletes,” she said.

You can fully support and follow the list of athletes to watch out for here.

I can’t wait to see her in this year's games! (Image: Tim Clayton/Getty Images)

The Paris 2024 Paralympics will commence with the opening ceremony on August 28 (August 29th in Australia) and will be available to watch on Stan Sport, Channel 9 on 9Now.