Usain Bolt supports World Athletics prize money for Olympic competitors

Olympic champion Usain Bolt expressed his approval of World Athletics’ move to provide prize money to athletes participating in the Olympic Games. The governing body established a precedent by awarding $50,000 to gold medalists at the Paris 2024 Olympics and plans to expand compensation to silver and bronze medalists by the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Bolt, speaking in Budapest ahead of the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship, stated that athletes deserve financial compensation for the physical risks taken during their careers. The Ultimate Championship features a $10 million prize pot, with individual winners set to receive $150,000. While the former sprinter noted that such payouts were not available during his competitive career, he maintained that the current model serves as a necessary incentive for professionals.

• 6:18 PMYahoo Sports — Bolt happy athletes can cash in for putting their 'bodies on the line'