ANCIENT OLYMPIA: The recent decision by World Athletics to introduce prize money for Olympic champions at the Paris 2024 Games has sparked controversy and debates about its alignment with the traditional Olympic spirit. This unprecedented move, as announced by WA President Sebastian Coe, will see each gold medalist in Paris awarded $50,000.

This change surprised many other international sports federations. "We really believe that this is not in keeping with the Olympic spirit," stated UCI President David Lappartient during the torch lighting ceremony for the Paris Olympics.

Lappartient highlighted that the decision was made unilaterally, without discussions at the recent meeting of their parent organization. "It should have been on the agenda," he remarked. According to him, the essence of the Olympics should be about spreading revenue to enhance global participation, not concentrating it at the top.

The move by World Athletics has been well-received among many top athletes, with a total prize pool of $2.4 million to be distributed among the 48 gold medal winners at the upcoming Games.

Previously, at the Tokyo Games, a staggering $540 million was allocated across 28 sports, with World Athletics receiving the largest share of $40 million. "We need to ensure we have athletes for tomorrow," commented Jean-Christophe Rolland, head of World Rowing. He expressed respect for World Athletics' decision as long as it pertains solely to their athletes, but emphasized the need for broader discussions, given the impact such decisions could have beyond individual sports.

Criticism of World Athletics' new policy isn't isolated. Britain’s five-time Olympic rowing champion Steve Redgrave has also voiced his concerns, describing the decision as unfair to sports that lack the financial capability to offer similar rewards.