NEW YORK (AP) — They compete for a trophy, a ring, the chance to be called a champion and, sometimes, a place in history. Most of the world’s best athletes in all sorts of sports compete for cold, hard cash, too. After more than 100 years of striving to earn Olympic gold — but nothing else from the folks organizing the event — track and field athletes at the Paris Games will join that money-making club thanks to the sport’s governing body, World Athletics. In a first-of-its-kind development, the runners, throwers and jumpers lining up at the Stade de France in August will be trying to win a $50,000 check to go with the gold. It’s a novel — some might say overdue — concept that has athletes in other sports wondering if they can get a piece of that action. “I mean, who would want to turn down money, you know?” said artistic swimmer Daniella Ramirez, who is a junior at UCLA. |
38 TV programs selected to promote culture, tourism3 Louisiana officers wounded by gunfire in standoff with shooting suspect, police sayChina's QueqiaoSichuan beat Inner Mongolia to retain WCBA titleCrown Prince Hussein of Jordan wishes his wife a happy birthday in gushing postXi, Tokayev send congratulations on launch of Kazakhstan tourism year in ChinaSenior CPC official meets Australian, Malaysian officialsAuto industry insiders highlight interdependence between China, EuropeSearch continues for 6 missing after Taiwan's 7.3Man Utd win FA Cup thriller against Coventry on penalties