Will prize money corrupt the Olympic spirit?
Prize money at the Olympic Games is in the spotlight after a move by World Athletics to reward their track and field athletes from Paris 2024 onwards. The move from Sebastian Coe broke with 128 years of tradition by becoming the first sport to give athletes prize money if they are victorious in Paris this summer. Champions will come away with $50,000 (£39,360) if they reach the top of the podium. The decision blindsided the International Olympic Committee, which has never awarded money for participating or winning a medal, as it believes that to compete at a Games is reward enough. World Athletics has drawn some criticism from the controversial announcement, with the head of the British Olympic Association, Andy Anson, among others to question the decision.