European Champion Silja Kosonen Misses Out on Prize Money Due to Athletics Federation's Grouping System

Finnish hammer thrower Silja Kosonen, the reigning European champion, will not receive a prize from European Athletics despite her gold medal win. The European Athletics Association's prize system rewards only the top performer within broader discipline groups, not necessarily the overall best across all events.

Kosonen's winning throw of 76.28 meters, while a championship-winning performance, was surpassed in a pre-determined points comparison by the winner of the shot put, Jessica Schilder of the Netherlands. Hammer throw, discus, and javelin are grouped together, and only the highest-scoring athlete in this combined group receives the 50,000 euro prize.

Riikka Pakarinen, president of the Finnish Athletics Federation (SUL), criticized the system as "not equitable." She confirmed that Kosonen would not be eligible for the European Athletics prize money. However, Pakarinen assured that SUL would reward Kosonen after the current season concludes, following a tradition of honoring successful athletes at their autumn gala. SUL previously awarded 10,000 euros to European champions Wilma Murto (pole vault) and Topi Raitanen (3000m steeplechase) in 2022.

Pakarinen also revealed that Finland's bid to host the 2030 European Championships includes plans to offer prize money to all medalists, aiming for a more equitable distribution. While Kosonen misses out on the current European Athletics bonus, her success has financial benefits through sponsorship deals, with top athletes often having clauses in their contracts for performance-based rewards. Her European title also enhances her ability to secure new partnerships.