ASOIF expresses concern over World Athletics’ decision to give prize money to gold medal winners in Olympic Games

In a statement released on Friday, ASOIF said, “ASOIF strongly agrees that athletes are at the heart of the Olympic movement, and play a vital role in the success of any Olympic Games. “However, it appears that World Athletics’ latest initiative complicates rather than resolves many complex issues.”

Earlier this month, World Athletics had announced the introduction of prize money for Olympic gold medalists in each of the 48 track-and-field events at Paris 2024 and all medalists at Los Angeles 2028.

The decision challenged the core value of the Olympic Games as a competition for amateur athletes, and ASOIF said its membership had expressed a number of concerns about World Athletics’ announcement.

The statement further said, “ASOIF was neither informed nor consulted before the announcement. “When an IF (International Federation) decision has a direct impact on the collective interests of Summer Olympic IFs, it is important and appropriate to discuss the issue with other federations in advance.”

ASOIF said that World Athletics’ decision undermines the values ​​of the Olympics and the uniqueness of the Games, adding that adding prize money would introduce a different set of values ​​into the Games and open up many questions.

ASOIF acknowledged that some Olympians have already been honored by their National Olympic Committees, but the awards are for national pride purposes.

“Growth and integrity are key areas where IFs can differentiate themselves from commercial operators and promoters,” the statement said. ASOIF will raise these concerns with World Athletics and continue to promote dialogue between its members and the IOC.”