MONACO, Apr 10:
In a first for an Olympic sport, gold-medallists in 48 athletics events of this year’s Paris Games will be awarded USD 50,000 by World Athletics, which will widen the spectrum by giving prize money to all three medal winners at the 2028 Los Angeles edition.
India is hoping for a gold medal in Paris from reigning Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, who finished on top in the Tokyo Games. He became the first Indian track and field athlete and second overall in individual sports to win a gold in the Olympic Games.
With the landmark decision announced on Wednesday, World Athletics (WA) will become the first international federation to award prize money at an Olympic Games. The move could also cause friction between WA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as it does not have formal approval from the parent body.
“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.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said the introduction of prize money for Olympic gold medallists was a “pivotal moment” for the international body and the sport of athletics as a whole.
“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.”
Relay teams will receive the same amount, to be shared among the team.
The format and structure of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics bonuses will be announced nearer the time of Games. (PTI)
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