In a historic move for Olympic sports, World Athletics will award gold medallists in 48 athletics events at the Paris Games with a prize of USD 50,000 each. This marks the first time that prize money will be given to Olympic medallists in athletics, setting a precedent for the 2028 Los Angeles edition where prize money will be extended to all three medal winners.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨
---Advertisement---🌍 World Athletics to pay Olympic Champions for the first time🥇💰
In a game-changing move, World Athletics announces there will be prize money for Olympic champions across 48 events, totaling US$2.4 million! pic.twitter.com/J8ajxZSFjS
---Advertisement---— RoriDunk (@FitzDunk) April 10, 2024
“World Athletics … will become the first international federation to award prize money at an Olympic Games, financially rewarding athletes for achieving the pinnacle of sporting success, starting at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris,” WA said in a statement.
Indian Contingent Seeking Record Tally
India is optimistic about securing a gold medal in Paris, particularly with reigning Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra aiming for victory after his triumph in Tokyo. Chopra’s gold medal in Tokyo made him the first Indian track and field athlete to achieve such a feat.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe hailed this decision as a significant milestone for the sport, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to supporting athletes and acknowledging their crucial role in the success of the Olympic Games.
“A total prize pot of USD 2.4 million has been ring-fenced from the International Olympic Committee’s revenue share allocation, which is received by World Athletics every four years. This will be used to reward athletes who win a gold medal in each of the 48 athletics events in Paris with USD 50,000 ((Rs 41.60 lakh),” WA stated. “This initiative by World Athletics also includes a firm commitment to extend the prize money at a tiered level, to Olympic silver and bronze medal winners at the LA 2028 Olympic Games.”
The specifics of the bonus structure for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be disclosed closer to the event, subject to World Athletics’ ratification process and athletes fulfilling standard anti-doping requirements.
Also Read: IPL 2024: LSG Coach Jonty Rhodes Involved In Heated Argument With Fan
