Track and field paved with gold as money flows to athletes
United States sprinter Noah Lyles competes in the semifinals of the men's 200m at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Aug 7. XINHUA NEW YORK — Money flowed into athletics in 2024 and even bigger paychecks will soon be up for grabs, with the sport's governing body shelling out and start-up meets offering major prizes in an encouraging sign for athletes. World Athletics sent a message in April when president Sebastian Coe announced it would offer $50,000 to each of the Paris gold medalists, breaking 128 years of Olympic tradition. World Athletics in June announced that its new "Ultimate Championship" would kick off in 2026, with a record $10 million prize pot. American Lyles gained an even greater level of celebrity as he triumphed in the closest-ever Olympic 100 meters final, and has said repeatedly he would not make a decision on competing in Grand Slam Track until a TV sponsor is announced.
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