)
IOC Chief Thomas Bach has opposed World Athletics' decision to award prize money at the Paris Olympics.
The head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach has voiced his concerns over World Athletics' decision to award prize money to gold medallists at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
This controversial stance by World Athletics, led by its president Sebastian Coe, proposes a $50,000 (Ksh6.6 million) reward for track and field champions marking a significant shift in how athletes are compensated at the Games.
)
20:00 - 26.04.2024
How to watch Sha'Carri Richardson & Christian Coleman at Suzhou Diamond League
Sha'Carri Richardson and Christian Coleman will be in action at the Diamond League Meeting in Suzhou, China, and here is how you can watch them live in action.
Bach has emphasized the importance of maintaining equality among athletes and nations within the Olympic movement.
The administrator argued that international sports federations should concentrate on minimizing disparities rather than incentivizing with monetary rewards.
"The international federations have to treat all their member federations and their athletes on an equal basis and to try to balance this gap between the privileged and the less or under-privileged," Bach stated as per AFP.
)
19:00 - 26.04.2024
'Only person stopping me is...' American sprint star Kenny Bednarek sends stark message to competitors ahead of Paris Olympics
Bednarek tied for first place with Noah Lyles at the Tom Jones testimonial a few weeks ago before following it up with victory at the Kip Keino classic.
Bach's viewpoint reflects a broader concern about maintaining the foundational values of the Olympics, which traditionally emphasize participation and global unity over financial gain.
The IOC chief reiterated that national Olympic committees could choose to reward their athletes, as was the case when he received a financial reward from the German committee after winning a fencing gold medal in 1976.
However, he made it clear that the responsibilities of international federations are distinct and should not include direct financial incentives.
)
09:47 - 26.04.2024
Suzhou Diamond League: Five things you need to know before starting gun fires
Diamond League in Suzhou this weekend promises intense competition with pole vault, sprints, and shot put stars set the stage for glory.
The reaction to Coe's announcement has been mixed, with several leading athletes welcoming the move as a modern adaptation that recognizes their efforts and achievements.
However, it has also sparked significant backlash among sports executives and governing bodies who fear that introducing prize money could exacerbate existing inequalities between nations with varying resources.
Criticism has also come from influential organizations within the Olympic community.
)
11:41 - 26.04.2024
Canadian sprinter still chasing his 1988 Olympic gold medal despite failing doping test
Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson still wants his 1988 Seoul Olympics 100m gold medal back and his reputation restored despite failing a doping test and admitting to having used a prohibited substance.
The Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) criticized the move as undermining the values of Olympism.
Moreover, the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa expressed strong disapproval, labeling the decision as "repugnant to the fundamental principles of the Olympic Movement."
The debate over prize money at the Olympics raises critical questions about the future direction of the Games and whether financial rewards could potentially overshadow the traditional spirit of the competition.
Follow us on X (Twitter) for more updates
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)