Tennis Greats Call for Olympic Medallists to Receive Prize Money

Tennis legends Boris Becker and Martina Navratilova have joined forces to advocate for Olympic medallists to receive prize money across all sports. This call comes after World Athletics announced that they would be offering prize money for Olympic gold medallists at the Paris 2024 Games, marking a historic shift in the tradition of the Olympics.

Becker, who clinched the singles gold at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, expressed his support for the move, emphasizing that being a top athlete is a full-time job in today’s world. He highlighted the fact that athletes in various sports contribute to the success and profitability of the Games, and therefore should not be left out when it comes to financial rewards.

Navratilova, a multiple Grand Slam singles champion, echoed Becker’s sentiments, stating that the Olympics have always been a major sporting event where athletes were the only ones not making money. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the dedication and hard work of athletes by providing them with financial incentives for their achievements.

In addition to advocating for prize money for Olympic medallists, Navratilova also raised concerns about the upcoming WTA finals being held in Saudi Arabia. She criticized the decision to host the prestigious event in Riyadh, highlighting the political implications of such a move and questioning the players’ choice to participate in the tournament.

As the sports world continues to evolve and adapt to changing times, the voices of athletes like Becker and Navratilova serve as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and rewarding the efforts of those who compete at the highest level. The call for Olympic prize money reflects a shift towards valuing and supporting athletes in their pursuit of excellence on the global stage.