Diana Shnaider, Mirra Andreeva rewarded with cash by Russian government for historic performance at Olympic Games

Although they competed as neutral athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Russian tennis stars Diana Shnaider and Mirra Andreeva received monetary compensation by the Russian government for bringing home the silver medal in the women's doubles event.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had imposed strict regulations on Russian athletes, barring them from competing under their national flag and excluding them from the official medal table. However, they were allowed to compete as neutral athletes, and the tennis duo made the most of that opportunity, capturing silver at the Paris Games.

Read also

"Everybody knows her forehand is weak" - Former coach of Pete Sampras weighs in on Coco Gauff's major flaw

Both athletes rewarded for their podium finish

The prodigious duo showcased their talent and determination during the event, surpassing expectations to reach the final. However, they fell short to the experienced duo of Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani, with the Italians clinching victory in a third set tiebreak.

Despite not competing under the Russian flag, the Russian government acknowledged their success. The Russian Olympic Committee announced that each player would be rewarded with a 2.5 million-ruble bonus (over $24,000/€22,000).

"We must honor all our sporting heroes," said Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev in an announcement, adding that members of the duo's coaching staff would also receive the same amount.