Kristen Schwab

Then there's a steep drop-off at number three, Malaysia, paying around $250,000.

Then there's a steep drop-off at number three, Malaysia, paying around $250,000.

The United States falls at number 16 on the list, with gold medalists gifted just under $40,000.

The United States falls at number 16 on the list, with gold medalists gifted just under $40,000.

It's not all about the cash prizes, though.

It's not all about the cash prizes, though.

Some countries give athletes jewelry, paintings, and cars.

Some countries give athletes jewelry, paintings, and cars.

Amir Babawi, Caitlin Esch, John Gordon, Noya Karr, and Stephanie Seek are the Marketplace editing staff.

Amir Babawi, Caitlin Esch, John Gordon, Noya Karr, and Stephanie Seek are the Marketplace editing staff.

Kelly Silvera is the news director, and I'm Kristen Schwab.

Kelly Silvera is the news director, and I'm Kristen Schwab.

We'll see you here tomorrow.

We'll see you here tomorrow.

This is APM.

This is APM.

There's a growing gap between the have and have-nots in our economy, and that's changing the way we move through it.

From American Public Media, this is Marketplace.

In New York, I'm Kristen Schwab, in for Kyra's doll.

It's Thursday, February 12th.