Athletics: Kiwi world champion Tom Walsh to pocket IAAF bonus of $82,000

Tom Walsh celebrates his shot put gold medal at the world championships in London. Photo / photosport.nz

New Zealand's newly-crowned world champion shot putter Tom Walsh will receive a bonus of $82,000 after his historic win in London.

The 25-year-old is set to pocket US$60,000 in IAAF prize money for winning the event at the athletics world championships yesterday by beating a host of challengers - including American Olympic champion Ryan Crouser and Joe Kovacs with a best effort of 22.03 metres.

Crouser finished sixth with a throw of 21.20m, while Kovacs (21.66m) claimed the silver medal.

Walsh became the first Kiwi male to win an outdoor world championships gold, matching the world indoor title he secured last year.

He joined Dame Valerie Adams (shot put titles 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013) and Beatrice Faumuina (discus in 1997) as New Zealanders to win world titles.

And he stands to earn even more in bonuses, if he manages to defend the Diamond League title he won almost a year ago.

In September last year, Walsh became New Zealand's first male Diamond League track and field champion when he trumped the national record to win the Zurich event with a 22.20m effort and claim the overall season trophy.

Should Walsh win this season's Diamond League final (on September 1 in Brussels) he will add another US$50,000 (NZ$68,000) to his bank balance.

He trails Crouser (24 points overall) by 10 points after two of the year's qualifying events.

Walsh's coach Dale Stevenson yesterday said he will "make sure" that Walsh is clear to compete in the rest of the European circuit before returning to New Zealand.

"I'll make sure Tom's fit and healthy to go through for the rest of the season and then we've got a quick turnaround for Commonwealth Games and world indoors next year," Stevenson said.

"Now with Tom winning the world title there is the other side of the sport which is the commercial side and that takes on a bit more importance."