UK Sport Boosts Climbing with £1.4M for LA 2028

Climbing is set to receive a substantial financial uplift, gaining over £1.4 million from UK Sport. This funding increase, representing more than a 60% rise, is specifically earmarked to bolster British athletes' medal hopes for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. The additional resources will facilitate the expansion of the performance program by eight athletes, enhancing preparation for the upcoming Games. This strategic investment comes as climbing will feature three medal categories for the first time. Climbing is one of 16 sports benefiting from a total of £4 million in additional funding distributed by UK Sport following its annual review. This injection of funds is deemed critical for enabling British athletes to achieve their best performances in the USA in two years' time, ensuring continued competitiveness at the highest level of Olympic and Paralympic sports. UK Sport is investing almost £334 million across all Olympic and Paralympic sports for the entire LA 2028 cycle. Other sports receiving uplifts include canoeing, para-canoeing, lacrosse, visually impaired judo, table tennis, surfing, and wheelchair fencing. These funds will support adaptations to qualification rules and preparation for new Olympic sports. Dr. Laura Needham of the British Mountaineering Council highlighted the importance of this funding in expanding support services, including psychology and physiotherapy, vital for the GB Climbing team's continued progress. Kate Baker of UK Sport emphasized that this early investment strengthens Britain's competitive edge on the world stage, backing emerging medal opportunities and preparing for new sports.