European Athletics announces record €3.5m prize fund for Silesia 2028
by 22nd September 2026
A record prize fund of €3.5 million will be available to athletes at the Silesia 2028 European Athletics Championships, European Athletics has announced.
The landmark investment, approved by the European Athletics Council, represents a major expansion of athlete prize money at the European Athletics Championships.
Following the award of ten €50,000 performance bonuses as part of the Gold Crown initiative at the Roma 2024 and Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships, prize money at Silesia 2028 will be awarded for every top-eight finish across all 50 event disciplines.
The new structure ensures every discipline is treated equally, with due recognition given not only to medallists but to all athletes reaching the top eight.
A top prize of €30,000 will be awarded to every individual gold medallist, with silver and bronze medallists receiving €15,000 and €10,000 respectively.
Athletes finishing fourth to eighth will receive €5,000, €4,000, €3,000, €2,000 and €1,000 respectively. For relay events, prize money will be shared among the team.
European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov said the record prize fund would add further significance to what is already set to be a historic edition of the championships.
“The 28th edition of the European Athletics Championships will already be a very special occasion as Poland hosts our flagship championships for the first time, and this announcement lifts Silesia 2028 to an even higher level,” said Karamarinov.
“Poland has a wonderful athletics tradition, knowledgeable and passionate fans and a proven record of staging outstanding events. We are looking forward to bringing Europe’s finest athletes to Silesia for a championship that we believe will be truly memorable for the athletes, the spectators and our sport.”
European Athletics CEO Christian Milz said the decision reflected the European Athletics Council’s commitment to supporting athletes while further elevating the profile of the sport.
“The European Athletics Council has taken an important decision which demonstrates our commitment to the athletes who are at the heart of our sport,” said Milz.
“We are seeing European athletes produce extraordinary performances and capture the imagination of audiences around the world. It is important that we continue to find meaningful ways to recognise and support them, and this record prize fund is a significant step in that direction.
“Silesia 2028 will also take place in an Olympic year, when the eyes of the world will once again be on athletics. The European Athletics Championships will give our athletes another major moment in the spotlight and another opportunity to inspire millions of fans across Europe and beyond.”
Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska won the women’s 100m hurdles title at the Munich 2022 European Athletics Championships, before adding bronze at Roma 2024 and silver at Birmingham 2026.
The newly elected Chair of the European Athletics Athletes’ Committee and one of the prospective home favourites at Silesia 2028 welcomed the announcement.
“On behalf of European athletes, we are delighted that the sport is recognising the achievements of its competitors with appropriate financial rewards,” said Skrzyszowska.
“It brings athletics alongside other major international sports, and we are grateful to European Athletics for taking this bold step forward.
“I know Silesia 2028 will be a very special occasion. Poland loves athletics, and this new prize fund will go a long way towards ensuring the very best European athletes deliver their very best performances in front of some of the world’s most passionate fans.”