Skating Prize Money Boosts KongshaugS Hopes After Recent Disappointment
Oslo, Norway – Peder Kongshaug, the Norwegian world champion speed skater, is optimistic following news of meaningful prize money increases approved by the International Skating Union (ISU). The announcement comes shortly after Kongshaug expressed concerns regarding athlete compensation, and includes immediate rewards for world record performances.
The ISU recently decided to increase cash prizes starting next season, a decision still pending formal adoption at the ISU congress. concurrently, the ISU will immediately begin awarding prize money for any world records set in ISU-sanctioned events. Kongshaug received confirmation of the planned increases directly from the ISU after discussing the matter with the team. “They said they had agreed to ‘increase the prize money in a very significant way’,” Kongshaug told Nettavisen. “This is a very positive attitude.”
The increased prize structure will award:
* $5,000 per performer for an individual world record in long-track skating.
* $15,000 per team ($5,000 per performer) for team competition and team sprint.
* $10,000 per team ($5,000 per performer) for mixed relay (long track).
* $5,000 per practitioner for an individual world record in short-track skating.
* $20,000 per team ($5,000 per performer) for relay (short track).
* $20,000 per team ($5,000 per performer) for mixed relay (short track).
Currently,$5,000 equates to just over 50,000 Norwegian kroner. Kongshaug expressed relief that the ISU appears to be responding to athlete concerns. “I feel that ISU has listened to us athletes and that they cannot continue as they have done for the last 30 years,” he said. The immediate implementation of world record bonuses provides a “small carrot this season,” according to the skating star.
