COE’S GOLD MEDALLISTS TO CASH IN

ATHLETICS chiefs have broken with more than a century of Olympic tradition by rewarding gold medallists with prize money.

All 48 track and field champions in Paris will receive $50,000 (£39,400) after World Athletics said it will become the first federation to financially reward its stars.

But the decision may cause tension with the International Olympic Committee as it represents a seismic shift away from the Games’ amateur origins.

World Athletics president Seb Coe (left) described it as a “pivotal moment” that underscores their “commitment to empowering the athletes”.

And Coe revealed that he has not spoken to IOC chief Thomas Bach about the idea but hopes it will be welcomed.

“The world has changed and it is really important that where possible we give money to athletes,” Coe said, adding that he had “no concern” that the Games’ ethos will be compromised.

“I do understand the nature of the transition we’ve been in and we’re now operating in a completely different landscape, a completely different planet, from when I was competing.”

The governing body has set aside $2.4m (£1.9m) of its revenue share from the IOC for the initiative.

Coe has made a “firm commitment” to give prize money to silver and bronze medallists at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

But their announcement has been met with a mixed response from athletes past and present.

Jonathan Edwards reckons the incentive threatens to “undermine” the IOC.

“I don’t understand it,” said the 2000 triple jump Olympic champion. “I don’t know if there is some political game-playing and friction. That’s what it smacks of.”

Former hurdler Colin Jackson, meanwhile, has taken the opposite view and believes that it is a way of saying “thank you to the athletes”.

In a statement, the IOC said: “It is up to each international federation to determine how to best serve their athletes and the global development of their sport.”