Criticism of World Athletics’ $50,000 Gold Medal Prize Offer at Paris Olympics

World Athletics’ decision to offer $50,000 for each track and field gold medal won at the upcoming Paris Olympics has sparked controversy and criticism from Olympic sports bodies.

The move by World Athletics and its president Sebastian Coe to break with tradition and offer prize money for Olympic medals has raised concerns among the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF). ASOIF stated that the move undermines the values of Olympism and the uniqueness of the games.

Coe, a former Olympic champion himself, pledged $2.4 million from World Athletics’ share of the IOC’s income to reward athletes for their achievements. He believes that athletes are the stars of the show and deserve to be recognized for their hard work and dedication.

However, ASOIF and other Olympic sports bodies argue that putting a price on Olympic gold medals goes against the principle of solidarity and could disadvantage less privileged athletes who may not have access to commercial endorsements.

The timing of Coe’s announcement, coming right after the ASOIF annual meeting, has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about the upcoming IOC presidential contest. Coe’s pledge has also been met with backlash from Olympic sports leaders, who are among the members who will elect the next IOC president.

Despite the criticism, the promise of prize money has been well-received by United States athletes preparing for the Paris Olympics. They stand to earn significant bonuses from their team for winning gold, silver, or bronze medals.

As the debate continues, the focus remains on the upcoming Paris Olympics, where athletes will have the chance to compete for not just glory, but also financial rewards.