27 apr 2024 om 11:32
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach has condemned World Athletics’ plan to award prize money for performances at the Olympic Games. Athletes who win gold in Paris can look forward to a large sum of money.
Earlier this month, the global athletics association World Athletics announced that it would reward Olympic champions in Paris with the equivalent of around 46,000 euros. Relay teams must share this amount. The athletics world is experiencing a first. No other sports association pays out prize money.
The cash bonus may be good news for Bol. The 24-year-old from Amersfoort is a huge favorite in the 400 meter hurdles in Paris. But according to IOC chairman Bach, handing out prize money by sports associations is undesirable. He believes that sports associations should focus on reducing inequality.
“The international federations must treat all their members and athletes on an equal basis and try to close the gap between privileged and less privileged athletes,” Bach said. AFP.
Bach believes that national Olympic committees should be free to motivate their athletes with prize money. The Dutch Olympic committee NOC*NSF pays out prize money to every athlete who wins a medal at the Games. The IOC itself does not distribute prize money to athletes.
The Olympic Games in Paris start on Friday, July 26 and last until Sunday, August 11.
Tags: IOC boss disapproves compensation athletes win Olympic gold Sports
