World Athletics is the first federation to give prize money in Paris

World Athletics has made a historic announcement, revealing plans to be the first international federation to provide prize money at the Olympic Games.

With a total prize pool of $2.4 million (£1.9 million) allocated for this summer’s Olympics in Paris, gold medallists will receive $50,000 (£39,400), a significant milestone for the sport.

This initiative will be expanded to include silver and bronze medallists at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Lord Coe, president of World Athletics, hailed this decision as a “pivotal moment,” emphasizing the organization’s dedication to empowering athletes and recognizing their crucial role in the success of the Olympic Games.

The prize money will be distributed among the 48 athletics events in Paris, with relay gold medallists sharing the prize among their team members.

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While the format and structure of prize money for the 2028 Games will be announced closer to the event, World Athletics emphasized that athletes must undergo and pass standard anti-doping procedures to be eligible for payment.

Traditionally, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) does not offer prize money, instead distributing funding through international federations and national Olympic committees. However, some national Olympic committees provide financial rewards to their medalists, although the British Olympic Association does not.

The IOC has yet to respond to World Athletics’ announcement, but this move marks a significant step forward in recognizing and rewarding athletes’ achievements at the Olympic Games.