The decision has been praised by just about every athlete.
But Armand Duplantis is not completely satisfied.
– The arrangement is problematic, says Mondo to DN.
It is not common for major championships to mean big bangs in the coffers. The European Championships, World Championships and Olympics are usually about honor more than prize money, but since the athletics European Championships and the Olympics are only months apart this year, the European Athletics Federation made an unusual decision.
The decision that everyone praised
For the first time, the active players have to settle for a prize pool of SEK 5.7 million. 50,000 euros will be awarded to ten different winners, who compete in different categories. For example, all high jumpers, pole vaulters, long jumpers and triple jumpers compete against each other to get the bonus.
The decision to distribute prize money has been praised by many, and it is clear that it gives everyone an extra incentive to actually compete, and not just prioritize the Olympics. Armand Duplantis is one of those who praised the announcement.
– I think it is a step in the right direction. It’s better than nothing, says Mondo to DN.
Unexpected criticism
But at the same time, Mondo is not completely satisfied. Duplantis has a very good chance of getting the bonus, as he needs a jump of 6.05. But he wishes there were more athletes who could share in the prize pool.
– I think it can work well for me, but not many people will get money and that is a problem with this arrangement, actually. There are many who win without getting anything for it, he says.
Armand Duplantis has a big advantage when it comes to chasing the bonus money. He competes last of all, and although it takes a lot of high jumpers and the triple steps for Mondo to have to jump higher than 6.05, he has all the results to go on.
– It’s quite nice that they jump before me so I know exactly what height I need to clear. Then I will run the exact height, says Duplantis, and continues:
– But that is not my biggest goal. First of all, I have to win, and then I have to do a jump that is better than the best in length, height or triple jump.
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