As we economists often say: "people respond to incentives."
In an effort to keep the sport’s top athletes from jumping to
potentially lucrative MMA (mixed martial arts - Phil) careers after a disappointing three-medal
haul in Beijing, wrestlers in 2012 will receive $250,000 for gold,
$50,000 for silver and $25,000 for bronze. The payout also increased
for world championships medals, with prizes of $50,000, $25,000 and
$15,000.