World Athletics announced it will become the first international federation to award prize money at an Olympics, beginning at this year's Games in Paris. Gold medal winners in each of the 48 athletics events in Paris will receive $50,000 (46,000 euros).

Paris

World Athletics has announced a historic change regarding athlete compensation for the Olympic Games. For the first time, the international federation will award prize money at an Olympics, starting with the upcoming Games in Paris. This new policy will apply to each of the 48 athletics events, with gold medal winners receiving $50,000 (equivalent to 46,000 euros).

This move marks a significant shift in the traditional Olympic compensation model, aiming to financially reward athletes for their achievements on this global stage. It reflects World Athletics' commitment to supporting athletes' welfare and recognizing their hard work and dedication.



In first, World Athletics to pay prize money for Olympic golds

The Olympic gold medal is the holy grail for all Olympians. But at the Games in Paris this summer, the track and field athletes will have their eyes on an additional prize. A $50,000 cash reward for those who take first place on the podium. An athlete winning an Olympic title is likely to receive monies from a number of sources. This is a modest contribution in addition to that. I want them to know that as the sport grows that they too, you know, with reason will become the beneficiaries of that. The Olympics were originally considered an amateur sports event, with the IOC not awarding prize money. But athletes may receive payments from sponsors or their own federations and governments. This year's cash reward provided by World Athletics, the international sports governing federation, marks a symbolic break with the Games' amateur past. Gold medalists from 48 events will be rewarded, with a total of $2.4 million paid out in prize money. Relay teams will also be given the same amount to be shared out among their members, an initiative which has been welcomed by athletes. It's an improvement. It would have been nice for it to be last Olympics, but that's OK. We'll just have to go and win it this year again. It's a very smart and good move by World Athletics. I think it's their way of showing that they want to push this even more into becoming a professional sport. It doesn't change my motivation, honestly. Olympic silver and bronze medalists in athletics will have to wait until the 2028 Los Angeles Games for their turn to be rewarded.

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