In this ski World Cup event, the men’s winner won more than $3,000. The women got towels and shampoo.
3 min read
Selina Freitag; Jan Hoerl. Atsushi Tomura/Getty; Marcin Golba/NurPhoto via Getty
At a recent ski jumping World Cup event, the stark contrast in prize rewards between the male and female competitors drew significant attention. In the qualifying round at the Two Nights Tournament in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, male winner Jan Haerl was awarded a prize of 3,000 Swiss francs (about $3,290). In contrast, female winner Selina Freitag received a partner bag containing towels, shampoo, and a voucher for wellness treatments, but no cash prize.
Freitag, who finished first in the qualifying round on December 30, expressed her disappointment after receiving the non-monetary rewards. Speaking to German TV channel BR24, she shared, “I received a partner bag with shower gel and shampoo and four hand towels. We unfortunately didn’t have a spare five hundred (euros) or so.” This contrast in prize distribution quickly garnered attention, sparking criticism from those who view it as emblematic of the gender inequality that still exists in many sports.
The discrepancy in rewards was acknowledged by the International Ski Federation (FIS), which oversees the World Cup events. In a statement to CNN, FIS confirmed that female winners of qualifying events do not receive the same prize money as their male counterparts. The governing body also explained that while Freitag’s reward package did include the wellness voucher, it was not intended to be a direct monetary equivalent to the male winner’s prize. FIS acknowledged that the gesture may have been perceived poorly, admitting that it “may have generated frustration and given a bad impression” despite being “well intentioned.”
FIS further explained that the reason behind the unequal prize money is linked to the relatively recent emergence of women’s ski jumping. The sport, which still lacks the same level of spectator interest, sponsorship, and media coverage as men’s ski jumping, naturally has lower revenues. This, in turn, leads to a disparity in the prize money that can be offered to female athletes. Although women’s ski jumping has made significant strides, these financial and recognition gaps remain a challenge. CNN also reached out to the event organizers for further comment on the issue.
The difference in prize rewards prompted an outcry from gender equality advocates. The organization Her Sport, which champions equal opportunities and recognition for women in sports, highlighted the inequality in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “This highlights the inequalities that still exist in sport to this day,” the group wrote. “We often hear the argument that it comes down to revenue generation, but revenue doesn’t grow in a vacuum. It starts with investment and commitment to bridging the gap.”
While the controversy around Freitag’s prize highlights broader issues of inequality, the actual results of the event were equally notable. The women’s competition was eventually won by Slovenia’s Nika Prevc, who received a prize of 4,300 Swiss francs (about $4,700). Meanwhile, in the men’s competition, Austria’s Daniel Tschofenig claimed victory and took home a significantly larger prize of 13,000 Swiss francs (roughly $14,240).
The differing reward structures have sparked a larger conversation about gender equity in sports. Critics argue that the disparity in prize money is reflective of systemic issues that continue to affect female athletes, especially in sports that have historically been male-dominated. Many believe that the lack of equal prize money is a result of insufficient investment in women’s sports, particularly in areas like ski jumping, which, despite its growth, still struggles with visibility and financial backing compared to its male counterpart.
As discussions continue, advocates for gender equality in sports are pushing for more equal recognition and rewards for female athletes. They stress the importance of creating opportunities for female athletes to thrive by investing in their visibility, sponsorships, and media coverage—efforts that will help close the gap in prize money and ensure that all athletes are recognized for their achievements, regardless of gender.
While Freitag’s experience at the Two Nights Tournament may have been frustrating, it highlights the ongoing challenges women face in securing equal recognition in sports. For many, it is a reminder of the work that remains to be done to ensure that all athletes, regardless of gender, receive fair and equal treatment.
About The Author
