Channel 7’s Basil Zempilas Criticizes World Athletics for Prize Money Disparity at Olympics

Channel 7’s Olympic swimming commentator Basil Zempilas has raised concerns over the recent decision by World Athletics to introduce prize money for individual gold medallists at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Zempilas believes that this move could further exacerbate inequalities among nations and athletes.

In a never-before-seen move, World Athletics has allocated $US2.4 million ($A3.6 million) to pay the gold medallists across the 48 events on the track and field program at the Paris Olympics. Relay teams will split the $US50,000 prize money between their members.

While some see this as a positive step for athletes who often rely on funding from their countries’ governments or sponsors, Zempilas questions the necessity of offering prize money for gold medals. He argues that the focus should be on supporting athletes who may not have the same financial backing as others, rather than rewarding those who already receive significant rewards for their achievements.

Australia, a country known for its success in swimming, has not produced a track-and-field gold medallist since London 2012. Despite this, Australian Olympic athletes have received financial support from various sources, including the Australian Olympic Committee and private donors like Harry Triguboff and Gina Rinehart.

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe defended the decision to offer prize money, stating that it is a way to recognize the athletes who contribute to the sport’s success. However, he refrained from commenting on whether other sports or the International Olympic Committee should follow suit.

As the debate over prize money for Olympic gold continues, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact athletes and the future of Olympic competition.