Track and field stars have complained of the low amounts of money they earn compared to other sports, with athletes calling for some improvements from World Athletics and other sponsors.
They seem to have been listened to as this year alone, two athletics events have been launched with the aim of paying athletes more, beating what World Athletics offers at most of its meets.
So, as the 2024 seasons nears its completion, what are the most lucrative events to look forward to?
Michael Johnson-back Grand Slam Track is set to be the highest earning track and field event following its launch in February this year.
The name of the league and other details were announced at a June 2024 press conference in Los Angeles hosted by John Anderson with the first season due to run from April-September 2025.
In April 2024, Johnson announced initial plans for the Track and Field League, including a total of $30 million (Ksh3.9 billion) in funding from investors and strategic partners.
That includes $100,000 (Ksh12.8 million) prize for each winner, making it the highest paying track and field event.
That will dwarf the $70,000 (Ksh9 million) paid to gold medallists at the World Athletics Championships.
The global athletics governing body pays finalists up to the eighth-placed athlete at the World Championships with winners pocketing $70,000.
That is what athletes can look forward to next year when Tokyo, Japan hosts the 2025 World Championships.
Athlos NYC, a women’s-only track event, set to take place in New York on September 26, is backed by tennis legend Serena Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian.
It will be the third highest paying athletics events as winners will pocket $60,000 (Ksh7.7 million) while second place will attract $25,000 (Ksh3.2 million), third place $10,000 (Ksh1.3 million), fourth place $8,000 (Ksh1 million), fifth place fetching $5,000 (Ksh645,598) as sixth attracts a prize of $2,500 (Ksh322,500).
The Athlos NYC will feature the 100m, 200m, 400m, 100m hurdles, 800m and 1500m with global superstars such as Faith Kipyegon, Gabby Thomas and Alexis Holmes among those set to feature at the inaugural edition.
The Diamond League is also among the highest paying athletics meets.
The Diamond League consist of 15 meets in different countries throughout the course of the year. The one-day meets see athletes compete in various disciplines in 14 cities from May to September, with the top performers qualifying for the final.
Winners of the various disciples earn $10,000 (Ksh1.3 million) per meet while there is $30,000 (Ksh3.9 million) prize for each of the Diamond League Final winners who also take home a diamond trophy.
For the final, the top six in the field events, the top eight in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m, and the top ten in the 1,500m and long-distance events are chosen after the points tally from the 14 events is accumulated.
