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A group of international federations have come together to raise their concerns over the prize money at the 2024 Paris Olympics. These concerns come after the World Athletics last week announced that it will become the first federation to offer prize money at Olympics this summer.
Talking about the prize money, gold medallists in athletics events will earn USD 50,000. The Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) in its statement said that the decision of the World Athletics was “neither informed nor consulted” despite being one of the members.
“ASOIF fully agrees that athletes are at the centre of the Olympic Movement, and play a criticial role in the success of any Olympic Games. However, it appears that World Athletics’ latest initiative opens rather than solves a number of complex issues,” it said in a statement released on Friday.
“ASOIF was neither informed nor consulted in advance of the announcement. When a decision of one IF (International Federation) has a direct impact on the collective interests of the Summer Olympics IFs, it is important and fair to discuss the matter at stake with the other federations in advance,” the statement further read.
Paying prize money in a multi-sport environment goes against the principle of solidarity: ASOIF
The Association feels that “one cannot and should not put a price on an Olympic gold medal.” “Not all sports could or should replicate this move, even if they wanted to. Paying prize money in a multi-sport environment goes against the principle of solidarity, reinforces a different set of values across the sports and opens up many questions,” it further stated.
It is to be noted that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) does not award prize money but distributes funding through international federations, and national Olympic committees. Apart from USD 50,000 prize money to gold medallists, the World Athletics’ move will be extended to silver and bronze medallists for the 2028 Games, which will be played in Los Angeles, USA.