The IAAF World Championships in Athletics became a fully professional competition from ___________.

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) 1997.
· The IAAF World Championships in Athletics became a fully professional competition starting from 1997. This marked a significant shift as athletes began to receive prize money, recognizing the increasing professionalism in the sport.
· The championships are organized by the International Association of Athletics Federations (now World Athletics) and serve as the premier global competition for track and field events.
Professionalism in athletics allowed for better training, resources, and support for athletes, contributing to the overall growth and popularity of the sport on a global scale.