UCI President Criticizes World Athletics’ Decision to Award Prize Money at Paris 2024 Games

World Athletics’ decision to award prize money at the Paris 2024 Games has sparked controversy among international federations, with the head of cycling’s global governing body (UCI) criticizing the move as going against the Olympic spirit of solidarity.

UCI President David Lappartient expressed his disapproval of the decision, stating that the Olympic spirit is about sharing revenues and providing opportunities for athletes worldwide, rather than concentrating money on top athletes. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that there will be athletes tomorrow, highlighting the potential impact of the decision on the future of sports.

The announcement by World Athletics to offer $50,000 to gold medallists in Paris was met with mixed reactions, with leading athletes welcoming the prize money while others raised concerns about the implications for sports that cannot afford to do the same. The $2.4 million prize pot will be split among the 48 gold medallists in Paris, with World Athletics receiving the most funding at $40 million from the total $540 million allocated to the 28 sports at the previous Games in Tokyo.

The move has also drawn criticism from other international federations, with World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland echoing Lappartient’s sentiments about the need for a discussion among federations. He emphasized that the decision impacts not only athletes but also has broader implications for the Olympic Games as a whole.

As the debate over prize money at the Olympics continues, it remains to be seen how the decision by World Athletics will shape the future of sports and the Olympic spirit of solidarity.