- Of all the sporting events in the world, the Olympics stands at the pinnacle since the pride, prestige, honor, and recognition associated with the quadrennial extravaganza cannot be bested by other similar spectacles. No wonder, every athlete would go to any extent by expending sweat, blood, time, and resources to not only qualify to compete in the extremely competent event but also would strive to leave behind an indelible imprint by winning the much-coveted medal. As you are aware, the Olympic event is held once in four years thus attracting elite athletes representing several sporting disciplines and showcasing their unquestionable talent to appreciative patrons around the world. No wonder, sports lovers keenly anticipate the Olympics to commence.
PC: Ommcom News
- Strangely, the Olympic medal winners have not been extended any cash rewards till now even though athletes winning a medal in the competition are suitably rewarded by their respective countries. For there is no bigger glory than winning an Olympic medal for any athlete worth his/her salt. Nonetheless, the winner is treated as no less than a national hero. Things are set to change for good now. World Athletics’ decision to offer prize money to Olympic winners recently is most welcome. Needless to mention, IOC and others should follow suit. In a pathbreaking move, World Athletics (WA) will offer $50,000 prize money to each of the 48 track and field good medallists at the Paris Olympic Games. This is a break from the Olympic tradition of celebrating sportspersons.
- Indeed, it’s a long-awaited break. Many top performers would appreciate the delayed but much-needed initiative. Today’s high-performance Olympians are nothing like those of the past. The Games themselves have changed radically. The Olympics are the acme of international sports. But they are also big business. Note that between 2017 and 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) made a mindboggling $7.6bn in revenue through broadcasting and marketing rights, and other sources. It distributed $540mn to 28 international federations at the Tokyo Games. WA got $40mn. Why shouldn’t some of that money go directly to athletes, the real stars of the Olympics? Besides, producing Olympic medallists today is an expensive proposition.
PC: The Guardian
- From special training and diet to getting the latest equipment and creating the right environment, huge resources need to be mobilized. This simply isn’t possible without state, private, and corporate sponsorship. The reality is for elite athletes the distinction between amateur and professional has either blurred or been completely obliterated. Let’s not forget that the IOC way back in 1985 had allowed professional tennis, ice hockey, and U-23 soccer players to compete in the 1988 Games. So, professionalizing Olympic participation has been an ongoing trend. The argument that all of this will undermine the Olympic spirit also doesn’t fly. Athletes’ main motivation is still winning Olympic laurels, not the case. A good move indeed.
