Athletics chiefs have broken with more than a century of Olympic tradition by announcing that they will reward gold medalists with prize money.
All 48 track and field champions in Paris will receive $50,000 (£39,400) after World Athletics said it will become the first federation to financially reward its stars.
But the decision may cause tension with the International Olympic Committee as it represents a seismic shift away from the Games’ amateur origins.
World Athletics president Seb Coe described it as a “pivotal moment” that underscores their “commitment to empowering the athletes.” And Coe revealed that he has not spoken to IOC chief Thomas Bach about the idea - but hopes it will be welcomed.
“The world has changed and it is really important that where possible we give money to athletes,” Coe said, adding that he had “no concern” that the Games’ ethos will be compromised.
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“I do understand the nature of the transition we’ve been in and we’re now operating in a completely different landscape, a completely different planet, from when I was competing.”
The governing body has set aside $2.4m (£1.9m) of its revenue share from the IOC for the initiative, with winners of the relay events sharing the $50,000 between the team. Coe has made a “firm commitment” to give prize money to silver and bronze medalists at the 2028 Games in LA.
While no rules are being broken, the IOC said that it redistributes 90% of its income to governing bodies and national committees.
In a statement, it said: “It is up to each international federation to determine how to best serve their athletes and the global development of their sport.” For the previous Olympic cycle from 2017-21, the IOC’s revenue was more than £6bn.
But World Athletics' announcement has been met with a mixed response from athletes past and present.
Speaking to the Mirror, Jonathan Edwards reckons the incentive threatens to “undermine” the IOC.
"I don't understand it,” the triple jump world record holder said. “I don't know if there is some political game-playing and friction. That's what it smacks of to me. It's very odd. I'd be interested to know what the real motivation was."
Karsten Warholm welcomed the idea to pay gold medalists $50,000 in Paris. (Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)Colin Jackson, meanwhile, has taken the opposite view and believes that it is a way of saying “thank you to the athletes.” He added: "There are nations paying their athletes for winning gold medals. So why shouldn't federations if they have the capacity to? It’s a good idea."
Karsten Warholm, the 400m hurdles world record holder, is one of the big names who could gain from the decision. And asked if he thinks prize money will cause a rift, he said: “It shouldn't because the International Olympic Committee is also making a lot of money from this.
“I don't see all changes as bad changes. This I see as an improvement and hopefully in the future we will also see a more modern version of the Games as well.”
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UK Athletics yesterday confirmed that the British championships will take place in Manchester on June 29-30. Birmingham, which had been vying to host the championships, will stage the event in 2025.
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