In a significant departure from Olympic tradition, World Athletics announced on Wednesday (April 10) that gold medalists in track and field events at the upcoming Paris Olympics will receive a substantial prize of $50,000. This move marks a symbolic shift away from the amateur ethos that has characterized the Games for decades, particularly in one of its most prominent sports.

Under the plan, a total of $2.4 million will be allocated to reward the gold medalists across the 48 events in the track and field program. Relay teams will share the $50,000 prize among their members, while payments for silver and bronze medalists are slated to commence from the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, emphasized that the decision aims to acknowledge the pivotal role athletes play in generating revenue for the Olympics. He stated, “It’s important to recognize that the revenue share we receive is largely due to the star power of our athletes.”

However, this move could potentially unsettle the established dynamics within the Olympic movement ahead of the Paris Games. Coe revealed that World Athletics informed the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of its intentions only shortly before the public announcement, suggesting a degree of unilateral action.

In response, the IOC reiterated that it is the prerogative of each sport’s governing body to determine the utilization of Olympic revenue. The IOC redistributes the bulk of its income to support athletes and sports organizations globally, emphasizing that the decision lies with individual federations and national committees.

The evolution of the Olympics from its amateur roots has been evident over the years, with many countries and sponsors providing financial incentives to medalists. Coe himself reflected on the transition, recalling his days as an athlete competing without financial support from the Games.

While track and field blazes a trail with its prize money initiative, the broader implications for other sports remain uncertain. Coe declined to speculate on whether similar changes could be expected across other Olympic disciplines.

Notably, the prize money offered by World Athletics for Olympic gold medalists still falls short of the rewards available at the organization’s own world championships. Additionally, athletes must clear standard anti-doping protocols before receiving their prize money at the Olympics, underscoring the commitment to fair competition.