The 2028 European Athletics Championships will break records with a prize fund of approximately £3 million, taking place in Silesia, Poland. This significant financial boost is designed to reward athletes finishing in the top eight across all 50 events.

Prize Money Breakdown:

• Gold Medal: 30,000 euros (£25,720)
• Silver Medal: 15,000 euros (£12,860)
• Bronze Medal: 10,000 euros (£8,573)
• Fourth Place: 5,000 euros
• Fifth Place: 4,000 euros
• Sixth Place: 3,000 euros
• Seventh Place: 2,000 euros
• Eighth Place: 1,000 euros

This restructuring by European Athletics ensures that all top-eight finishers in every discipline receive financial recognition, a notable change from the previous championships held in Birmingham in August, where the total prize pool was 500,000 euros (£428,000) divided among the top performances.

In Birmingham, Great Britain and Northern Ireland secured 19 medals, including nine golds, but did not benefit from the 50,000 euro 'Gold Crown' bonuses. The increase in prize money reflects the growing earning potential for elite athletes, especially following World Athletics' announcement of a record $10 million (£7.4 million) prize fund for its Ultimate Championship event in Budapest, where individual winners received $150,000 (£110,000).