Big Money Awaits Athletes At Indoor

With Primo Nebiolo, president of track and field’s world governing body, calling it a “new era in the sport,” the World Indoor Championships begin today with nearly $2.3 million in prize money awaiting the medalists in 28 events.

Nebiolo, head of the International Amateur Athletic Federation, speaking on a television hookup from Lausanne, Switzerland, where he was attending an IOC meeting, said Thursday the monetary rewards was a “great incentive” for the athletes.

“We felt the winners should have not only the world title, but the financial security they deserve,” he said.

In addition to the $50,000 available for the individual champions, there is money for second and third place.