Athletes could win cash for a gold medal in Paris
At this year’s Olympic Games, some gold medals will be worth more than others.
Track and field will become the first sport to award prize money to its winning athletes, with gold medallists expected to receive $50,000 for reaching the top of the podium. Indeed, World Athletics announced plans to reserve $2.4 million for winners across 48 men’s, women’s, and mixed events this summer (relay teams will split the prize between members).
Gold rush: The move marks a monumental shift in one of the world’s most-watched sports broadcasts, which for decades has been one of the last bastions of competition without explicit monetary rewards — and raises questions about the financial divides between elite Olympians.
Track and field will become the first sport to award prize money to its winning athletes, with gold medallists expected to receive $50,000 for reaching the top of the podium. Indeed, World Athletics announced plans to reserve $2.4 million for winners across 48 men’s, women’s, and mixed events this summer (relay teams will split the prize between members).
Gold rush: The move marks a monumental shift in one of the world’s most-watched sports broadcasts, which for decades has been one of the last bastions of competition without explicit monetary rewards — and raises questions about the financial divides between elite Olympians.
