The Prefontaine Classic, Adidas Track Classic, Reebok Grand Prix, and maybe one or two others are the only domestic meets that pay decently, from what I understand.
yeah, the money is made in europe mate…and you can be an average pro (someone who can finish 5th, 6th, 7th etc…10.3-4 in 100m, 7.70+ in long jumper etc) and make ok money doing that…but its alot of who you know and getting into those meets…
well, trust there are many…LEAP permit meets, are some…
others are on the euro track website…i dont know how to get into all of them or even try…but when im ready for them, ill find out and be sure to be there…
i have a friend, who has been a full time pro for 10 years, and jumps between 7.60m-7.90m.
The pay isnt ALL THAT great…but i always say, if you can get payed the same as a regular job, jumping, why not do it…
If you head to Australia they have professional meets that offer cash prizes. If you are a 10.3-4 runner you will do pretty well. If you were in the know with the system that operates here you might even do very well.
The biggest meet is worth 40k AU to the winner. To earn this yearly would be a struggle. The other meets range from 1k through to a few at 10k. They take place from Nov-April. It might appeal as a winter training option for the Northern Hemisphere athletes. You might consider coming over for a 3-4week period to run a few of the bigger meets that offer decent cash prizes.
It all depends on what you consider good money…many meets offers paycheck for a presence or as a prize…can happen to get 300-500 euros with some sub 10"50 performance in a race…so nothing spectacular, but get regul ar meets, also for training purposes, plus team fee, and you get paid with enough to live…
yeah i have done a few professional meets before… you just have to put down your PB’s and they give you a handicap the big races at these meets usually pay around 2000-6000, althought there are a couple of bigger ones… check out www.qal.org.au