European Athletics Championships to offer record £3m prize fund in 2028
The European Athletics Championships are set to introduce a record-breaking prize fund of approximately £3 million for the 2028 event in Silesia, Poland. This significant financial commitment marks a major shift in how the organization rewards elite competitors, ensuring that athletes finishing in the top eight across all 50 disciplines receive monetary compensation.
Restructuring financial rewards for athletes
Under the new framework, the prize structure has been overhauled to provide consistent recognition for performance. Gold medal winners will receive 30,000 euros (approximately £25,720), while silver and bronze medallists are set to earn 15,000 euros (£12,860) and 10,000 euros (£8,573), respectively. Those finishing between fourth and eighth place will also receive tiered payments ranging from 5,000 euros down to 1,000 euros.
This approach contrasts sharply with the previous model used at the championships held in Birmingham earlier this year. In that event, a total pot of 500,000 euros (£428,000) was divided among the top 10 performances across 10 categories, determined by World Athletics scoring tables. This system meant that many gold medalists did not receive specific bonuses for their victories.
Commitment to athlete support
The decision to implement this record prize fund reflects a broader trend in professional athletics, where organizers are increasingly focused on enhancing the earning potential of competitors. With a crowded calendar that includes the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the Diamond League, and the Ultimate Championship, providing substantial incentives is seen as essential to securing high-quality fields for the European event.
Christian Milz, chief executive of European Athletics, emphasized that the new structure ensures every discipline is treated with equal importance. "We are seeing European athletes produce extraordinary performances and capture the imagination of audiences around the world," Milz stated. "It is important that we continue to find meaningful ways to recognise and support them, and this record prize fund is a significant step in that direction."
The 2028 championships are scheduled to take place in early June, providing athletes with a high-stakes competition just six weeks before the start of the Olympic Games. By rewarding all finalists, the governing body aims to provide "due recognition" to the broader spectrum of elite talent participating in the sport.