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Hefty prize money for World Champs record-breakers

Published:Thursday | August 10, 2023 | 12:11 AM
Sydney McLaughlin-Leverone stoops beside the world record 50.68 time she set at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on July 22, 2022.
Gladstone Taylor
Sydney McLaughlin-Leverone stoops beside the world record 50.68 time she set at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on July 22, 2022.

BUDAPEST, Hungary (CMC):

ATHLETES SETTING world records at the World Athletics Championships, starting on Saturday, August 19, in Budapest, Hungary, will be handsomely rewarded for their efforts.

The sport’s world governing body, World Athletics, announced yesterday that athletes setting new marks in their disciplines will be eligible for a special award of US$100,000, subject to the usual ratification process.

“The performance must be an improvement on the existing World Athletics world record,” a news release from the world body stated. “Performances that equal the existing world record will not be eligible for a world record award.”

Hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the United States and pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis of Sweden are two of the most recent recipients of a world record award, following their performances at the World Athletics Championships last year in Eugene, Oregon.

McLaughlin-Levrone improved her own world 400-metre hurdles record to an awe-inspiring 50.68 seconds, while Duplantis took the pole vault to another level again, clearing 6.21 metres.

About 2,000 athletes from around 200 teams will descend on the new National Athletics Centre in the Hungarian capital for nine days of thrilling competition at this year’s championships.