Medals at the Sydney Olympics might come with a little something extra -- a tax bill.

International competitors who earn cash bonuses from their national Olympic committees and sports federations for winning medals will owe taxes in Australia, even if they receive the money after returning home. And since Australian tax rates for such earnings range from 29-48 1/2 percent, athletes making up to $100,000 per gold medal could face huge tax bills. Athletes would not be taxed for the medals themselves, but on any money they directly earn as a result of their visit to Australia for the games. With the Olympics opened to professionals for years now, athletes from many countries are eligible for bonuses. But officials say this is the first time foreign athletes face tax bills for Olympic-related income. Policies vary from country to country, but bonuses for medals often are officially labeled reimbursements for training expenses and sacrifices. The U.S. Olympic Committee, for example, reimburses $15,000 for a gold medal, $10,000 for silver and $7,500 for bronze. It is considered income, and athletes are expected to report it to the IRS along with relevant expense exemptions. Several U.S. federations offer separate packages, including $50,000 for a gold medal from U.S. Swimming. Russia offers $100,000 for gold medals, USOC spokesman Mike Moran said. He cannot imagine athletes paying taxes in Sydney.