Usain Bolt backs World Athletics' new prize money for Olympic champions

World Athletics has become the first Olympic governing body to award monetary prizes to athletes, starting with gold medalists at the Paris 2024 Games and later including silver and bronze winners at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Usain Bolt, the eight-time Olympic champion, voiced his approval while in Budapest, just before the debut of the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, which boasts a $10 million prize fund. Bolt emphasized that competing at the Olympics is a form of work that puts athletes' bodies at risk, and that financial compensation is justified.

He noted that individual champions at the Budapest event will earn $150,000 each, while relay teams will split $80,000. Bolt also recalled a conversation with fellow sprinter Asafa Powell about missed prize opportunities in the past and affirmed that the new payouts will incentivize athletes. Additionally, he dismissed rumors about launching a professional football career, confirming he only plays casually.