Sir Steve Redgrave Raises Concerns Over Prize Money for Athletics at Paris 2024 Olympics
Legendary rower Sir Steve Redgrave, a five-time Olympic gold medalist, has voiced his concerns about the decision to award prize money to athletics gold medalists at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. This move by World Athletics marks the first time in Olympic history that prize money will be offered to winners.
Under the new initiative, gold medalists in the 48 disciplines at Paris 2024 will each receive $50,000 (approximately £39,400). Additionally, prize money will be extended to all three track and field medalists at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
Redgrave, who achieved Olympic glory in rowing across five consecutive Games from 1984 to 2000, expressed reservations about this development.
He highlighted that many athletics gold medalists are already capable of earning significant sums of money both before and after the Olympics, making the addition of prize money seem unnecessary.
In Redgrave’s view, introducing prize money to athletics could create a divide between sports, leading to an “us and them situation.” He emphasized his preference for directing such funds to support other sports that may be in need of financial assistance.
It’s worth noting that while some national Olympic committees provide financial rewards to their medalists, the British Olympic Association does not offer prize money.
Beyond the issue of prize money, Redgrave also touched upon the broader challenges facing sports like rowing.
He pointed out that rowing’s survival on the international stage heavily relies on the funding received through participation in the Olympics. Redgrave expressed concerns that any reduction or removal of this funding could jeopardize the sport’s existence.
Rowing has a rich Olympic history, being a part of every Games since 1900 and introducing women’s events in 1976.
Redgrave emphasized the importance of recognizing rowing as a foundational Olympic sport, highlighting its relevance despite ongoing debates about supporting more media-friendly sports.
