More money for U.S. Olympic medalists

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) _ U.S. athletes who win gold medals at the Salt Lake City Olympics will receive $25,000 - an increase of $10,000. <br><br>The U.S. Olympic Committee also said Saturday those

Saturday, October 20th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) _ U.S. athletes who win gold medals at the Salt Lake City Olympics will receive $25,000 - an increase of $10,000.

The U.S. Olympic Committee also said Saturday those winning silver medals will receive $15,000, up from $10,000. Bronze medalists will earn $10,000, up from $7,500.

``By rewarding American athletes for medal-winning performances, we hope to provide some much-needed financial assistance for athletes and their families,'' said Scott Blackmun, the USOC's acting chief executive officer.

The committee also is increasing funding for the 2004 Olympics. Athlete support will increase by 20 percent from $32.5 million in 2000 to $39 million for 2004.