Explainer: Does Guinness World Records pay winners?

Winning trophies and prize money has historically been identified as two of the biggest motivators behind most athletes' desire to participate in competitions on the global stage.

Faith Kipyegon, for instance, is still basking in glory following her recent unprecedented feat where she smashed world records in both the 1,500m and 5,000m women's races within a fortnight. 

In the 1,500m race, Kipyegon delivered a thrilling run at the Florence Diamond League crossing the line in 3:49.11, shattering the 3:50.07 world record set by Ethiopian Genzebe Dibaba in Monaco back in 2015.

For winning the race, the Kenyan siren pocketed a cool $10,000 (Sh1.4 million) in prize money.

Besides, Kipyegon also earned $50,000 (Sh7 million) as minimum reward bonus for breaking the world record, translating to Sh8.4 million in total prize money for her astonishing feat. 

One would easily imagine that the same parameters of prize money, or even more superior rewards, are offered to individuals who attain human-defying feats and are crowned Guinness World Record holders.

Wrong! They get nothing.

Individuals who carry out record title attempts for the purpose of winning a Guinness World Record are intrinsically motivated.

Intrinsically motivated athletes typically concentrate on skill improvement and their growth as athletes.

This means they do so for reasons such as the enjoyment of playing their sport, the challenge of competition and reaching new personal levels, skill improvement, or exploration of potential.

According to the Guinness World Record, its role is to merely celebrate the world's best, to inspire ordinary people and to entertain and inform.

"For these reasons, we do not pay record-breakers for their achievements or for carrying out a record title attempt. We are also unable to cover any expenses, offer sponsorship or provide equipment for anyone attempting a record," the authority says on its website.

"In addition, we are unable to make contributions to individuals, charities or businesses. This is to maintain our unbiased stance as the world's global record-breaking authority and to ensure that we are truly inclusive of all applicants."