World Athletics’ Financial Realities and the Impact on Athletes: A Closer Look

As Olympic track and field champions prepare for the Paris Olympics, they are not only aiming for gold but also eyeing a historic payday thanks to World Athletics’ recent announcement of cash prizes for gold medalists. This groundbreaking decision has sent shockwaves through the track and field community, sparking conversations about the financial realities of the sport.

In a recent Twitter post, Olympic Medalist Rori Dunk shed light on the financial landscape of World Athletics, revealing that the organization reported revenues of $54.9 million in 2022, with expenditures totaling $72 million. This disparity between revenue and expenses highlights the challenges faced by the governing body in compensating its athletes adequately.

Despite a commendable 26.6% increase in revenue, World Athletics is now operating at a deficit, a stark contrast to the staggering revenues generated by professional sports leagues like the NBA and NFL. While track and field expenditures soared to $72 million in 2022, the NBA recorded a revenue of $10.58 billion, and the NFL reached an all-time high of $11.9 billion during the same period.

This disparity in financial resources raises important questions about World Athletics’ ability to compensate its athletes fairly and compete with other major sports leagues. As track and field champions gear up for the Paris Olympics, they are not only focused on winning gold but also advocating for better financial support and recognition for their achievements on the grand stage.