BERLIN - Athletics has become the first sport to offer prize money to Olympic champions, announcing on Wednesday that the 48 gold medallists in Paris this year will earn $50,000 each.

Here is the path from amateurism to professionalism at the Olympic Games.

1896 – First modern Olympic Games held in Athens. Winners did not receive gold medals but were awarded a silver medal, an olive branch and a diploma. Those in second place were given a bronze medal, a branch of laurel and a diploma.