Sir Steve Redgrave warns against prize money for athletics gold medallists at Paris 2024

Five-time Olympic champion Sir Steve Redgrave has expressed his concerns about the introduction of prize money for athletics gold medallists at the Paris 2024 Games, warning that it could create “an us and them situation” between sports.

World Athletics made the groundbreaking announcement in April that they would be offering prize money for the first time in Olympic history, with winners in the 48 disciplines set to receive $50,000 each. This move has sparked a debate within the sporting community, with Redgrave voicing his opposition to the idea.

The legendary rower, who won gold medals at five consecutive Olympic games between 1984 and 2000, believes that giving money to athletes who are already capable of earning significant amounts through other means is unnecessary. He stated, “It becomes an us and them situation. I did OK – although I made more money from retirement than I ever did in rowing – but I’m against it.”

Redgrave also raised concerns about the future of rowing, highlighting that the sport relies heavily on the funding it receives from competing at the Olympics. He emphasized the importance of this financial support in ensuring the survival of rowing on the international stage.

As discussions continue around the distribution of prize money in sports, Redgrave’s comments serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that come with introducing financial incentives into the world of athletics. With the Tokyo 2020 Games just around the corner, the debate over prize money in sports is likely to remain a hot topic in the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympics.