Posted: June 30, 2006

Athletics: IAAF Golden League Jackpot Is More Open Than Ever

Monte Carlo - With just over a week to go before the IAAF Golden League moves to the Stade de France in Paris, one thing is clear: all competing athletes still have a chance to win a share of $500,000 according to the new Golden League Jackpot structure introduced this season.

“In the past,” said IAAF President Lamine Diack, “if great athletes like Kenenisa Bekele, or Kajsa Bergqvist had been beaten in the first GL meeting of the season, then basically the Jackpot would have ended for them. Now, every athlete can lose once, but still get a share of $500,000 dollars if they still win the other five GL meetings. Winning five GL meetings is still a fantastic achievement, and it is fair that we are giving athletes the possibility to win this reward.”

“But there is also an additional $500,000 available for those who can win all six meetings so the new Jackpot is something that the fans and Media should enjoy right up until the last meeting of the season.”

IAAF Golden League Jackpot For 2006

• Total Jackpot remains $1 Million
• Athletes who win 5 meetings – get share of $500,000
• Athletes who can win another meeting (6 total) – get share of AN ADDITIONAL $500,000
• All Jackpot winners must also compete at the IAAF World Athletics Final in Stuttgart on 9 – 10 September 2006.

Athletes still in contention for six Golden League wins
(Those who won first Golden League meeting in Oslo)

MEN: Asafa Powell (100m), Jeremy Wariner (400m), Alex Kipchirchir (1500m), Isaac Songok (3000m/5000m), Irving Saladino (Long Jump), Andreas Thorkildsen (Javelin Throw).

WOMEN: Debbie Ferguson McKenzie (100m), Sanya Richards (400m), Tirunesh Dibaba (5000m), Brigitte Foster-Hylton (100m Hurdles), Blanka Vlasic (High Jump).

Athletes in contention for five Golden League

All the Oslo winners PLUS any other athlete who is on the start list for the Meeting Gaz de France Paris St-Denis – which is on July 8.

2006 IAAF Golden League Events:
Men: 100m, 400m, 1500m, 3000/5000m, Long Jump, Javelin Throw
Women: 100m, 400m, 3000/5000m, 100m Hurdles, High Jump

IAAF Golden League - Dates and venues in 2006:
Friday 2 June, OSLO, NOR
Saturday 8 July, PARIS, FRA
Friday 14 July, ROME, ITA
Friday 18 August, ZURICH, SUI
Friday 25 August, BRUSSELS, BEL
Sunday 3 September, BERLIN, GER 

Comment on this story.

Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest