Hefty prize money for Worlds record breakers

Athletes setting a world record at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, will be generously rewarded for their efforts, officials said.

The sport’s world governing body, World Athletics, announced recently 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,” 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 two years ago in the American city of Eugene in the state of Oregon.

McLaughlin-Levrone improved her own world 400 metres 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.