Track and field athletes competing at this summer’s Olympic Games will have an additional incentive, as World Athletics on Wednesday announced it will become the first international federation to award prize money at an Olympic Games.
Each gold medallist from the 48 events will receive US $50,000. Jamaica Olylmpic Association (JOA) president Christopher Samuda says the move represents the changing times as it relates to global sport.
Meanwhile, Technical Leader of Jamaica’s athletics teams, Maurice Wilson has called the move long overdue. Relay teams will also receive US $50,000 in prize money to be shared amongst members of the team.
A total prize pot of US $2.4 million has been ring fenced from the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) revenue share allocation, which is received by World Athletics every four years.
World Athletics further stated that there is a commitment to extend the prize money at a tiered level to Olympic silver and bronze medal winners at the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
