With just two days left, fans eagerly anticipate the performances at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials for track and field events. Athletes competing in Eugene have a lucrative incentive awaiting them, as substantial prize money awaits the top achievers. Securing first place in any individual track or field event will earn an impressive $11,000, while those following closely behind will receive $8,800. American athletes clinching third and fourth places will still bag respectable amounts of $6,600 and $4,400, respectively. It appears that Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek’s longstanding issue regarding finances plus travel arrangements has been resolved, providing them with a sense of relief.

Accommodation and travel arrangements are critical for athletes’ security and well-being. With the Olympics taking place in a European country, the heightened prices pose a significant challenge. Earlier this year, Bednarek expressed his concerns, highlighting the exorbitant costs of flights and lodging for both the Paris 2024 Olympics and the trials. In a tweet, he lamented, “The cost to fly and accommodate my team at the trials and Olympics is pretty wild. Prices are jacked up.”

Lyles, echoing the sentiment, acknowledged the widespread issue of inflated prices, stating, “It’s hard for all of us, man.” Bednarek further emphasized the importance of a support system, remarking, “It’s crazy because that’s when we need our entire support system the most.”

In light of these challenges, USATF has now actively advocated for covering the expenses of traveling athletes, recognizing the financial burden imposed by such high costs. While the provision of travel expenses offers some relief, it comes with certain caveats that athletes must adhere to, reflecting the complexities surrounding financial support in elite athletics.

The initial disbursement of funds, totaling $2100, will be assigned to the following athletes:

• Priority Allocation: Athletes who were champions in the previous USATF Outdoor event in each category receive the initial allocation of $2100.
• Top Performers: The top three athletes from the qualifying period also receive the priority allocation.
• Tiered Athletes: athletes designated under the 2024 USATF Tier and TPP categories are included in the initial allocation of $2100.

Both Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek are qualified for travel allocations by meeting the current USATF membership requirements. However, it’s worth noting that not all U.S. team members have the same level of support. Lyles is fortunate to have sponsors who can assist him in reaching greater heights. But what about Kenny?

Not every athlete is as lucky as Noah Lyles

Athletes dedicate years of rigorous training and effort to reach the pinnacle of their sport: the Olympics. It takes them years to reach that point. However, not every athlete’s journey is paved with the same financial support. Take, for instance, Noah Lyles, who boasts sponsorships from Adidas, Omega, Coca-Cola, Visa and Intel, contrasting with others like Kenny, who emphasizes personal branding over sponsorships, lacking such backing. As Kenny aptly noted, “People don’t follow brands, they follow people, build your personal brand.” However, this isn’t just Noah Lyles and Bednarek’s concern.

Last year, concerns over expenses surfaced among top athletes ahead of the 2023 USATF Outdoor National Championship. Tara Davis-Woodhall, the 2024 World Indoor Champion in the long jump, highlighted the hefty costs of airfare, while Janee Kassanavoid, a World bronze medalist, revealed the significant financial burden of attending competitions.

These stories shed light on the stark disparities in financial support within the sporting world. While some athletes enjoy robust sponsorships, others grapple with soaring expenses, hindering their ability to compete at the highest level. Despite strides towards addressing these disparities, biases persist, revealing a broader challenge in ensuring fair opportunities for all athletes to thrive. However, after much struggle, USATF has finally heeded the “Funding Cry” and taken proactive steps to address it. This positive development marks an improvement in the track and field community, signaling a brighter future ahead.