Track and field athletes who have lost income due to the coronavirus pandemic can apply for financial support through a new fund.
Hicham El Guerrouj, the 2004 Olympic 1500m and 5000m champion and mile world-record holder, brought the idea to World Athletics. That organization, along with the International Athletics Foundation (IAF), established a $500,000 fund. Additional money could be raised.
Applications can be submitted through continental track and field associations, such as the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC).
“I am in constant contact with athletes around the world, and I know that many are experiencing financial hardship as a consequence of the shutdown of most international sports competition in the last two months,” World Athletics president Seb Coe said in a press release.