The Japan Amateur Athletic Federation (JAAF) on Wednesday approved "pro" status for hammer thrower Koji Murofushi, who has already been accepting fees for personal and commercial appearances.
Murofushi, a silver medalist at the athletics World Championships last summer, petitioned the federation for permission to receive direct payments for his appearances in commercials and advertisements.
JAAF officials decided then that track and field athletes making personal and commercial appearances would help promote their sport.