World Athletics’ Decision to Reward Olympic Champions with Cash Prizes Signals Progress, Says Dame Valerie Adams

World Athletics’ decision to reward Olympic champions with cash prizes has been met with praise and excitement from athletes around the world. New Zealand shot put legend Dame Valerie Adams has expressed her support for the move, calling it a step in the right direction for the sport.

In a historic shift, World Athletics announced that gold medallists at the Paris Games will receive $50,000 each from a prize pot of $2.4 million. This marks the end of a 128-year tradition and sets a new precedent for other global sports federations to follow suit.

Adams, who is the chair of the World Athletics Athletes’ Commission, believes that this decision will encourage other sports bodies to prioritize the financial well-being of their athletes. She emphasized the importance of supporting athletes who dedicate their lives to training and competing at the highest level.

While some have raised concerns about the fairness of the prize money distribution, Adams remains optimistic about the impact it will have on athletes across different sports. She urged other sporting organizations to work harder to provide similar support for their athletes, even if it may not be at the same level as World Athletics.

As a former athlete who has competed at five Olympics and won multiple medals, Adams understands the challenges that athletes face in pursuit of their dreams. She hopes that the increased financial incentives will motivate athletes to push themselves even further and achieve greater success on the world stage.

With the Paris Olympics just around the corner, athletes from around the world are gearing up to compete for glory and financial rewards. Adams believes that New Zealand has the potential to excel in sports like athletics, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming, and is hopeful for a strong showing at the upcoming Games.

The decision by World Athletics to reward Olympic champions with cash prizes is a significant milestone for the sport and sets a positive example for the future of athlete compensation in global sports. As the sporting world evolves, athletes like Dame Valerie Adams will continue to advocate for the well-being and recognition of those who dedicate their lives to their craft.