A new study shows that hundreds of Olympic and Paralympic athletes will not be able to continue competing until the 2028 Los Angeles Games unless funding is increased.
Of the 189 athletes surveyed by the British Elite Athletes Association (BEAA), 64% said they would end their career if funding did not change in the next cycle, and a further 21% were unsure whether they would continue their career if it changed. answered. remained the same.
This study sample reflects approximately 1 in 6 funded athletes, and if expanded to include everyone, 750 athletes would represent their country in the United States in 2028. BEAA says they will feel unable to do so.
Funding levels for the cycle up to Los Angeles will be confirmed by the government after the autumn budget.
“Across the sporting world, I have seen athletes become increasingly reliant on their families to sustain their careers, or quit altogether because they can no longer afford to continue,” Olympic hockey champion Holly Pern Webb said.
“Many people held out until Paris, but many athletes, especially those from low-income families, will not survive another four years without higher subsidies.
“In recent years, the personal finances required to make a living have driven many people away from elite sport.
“I got interested in sport at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. If we don’t urgently address athlete funding, we will be forced to exclude Britain’s next generation of Olympians and Paralympians. This would limit that honor to the most privileged.”
Pern-Webb signed a joint letter with nine other elite athletes sent to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy this week, saying:
“With sports systems currently under enormous financial pressure, we fear that they may be required to do so until at least 2028. will bring.”
The BEAA estimates that the average athlete earns less than £22,500 a year, with some athletes expected to be awarded the same amount in 2024 as they were in 2012.
During this time, inflation has reached nearly 40 per cent, making even the most bankrolled athletes worse off on more than £11,000 each year.
One BEAA survey respondent, who requested anonymity, said the subsidies athletes receive are “not enough to survive,” especially if they have families to support.
“I’m considering retiring from the sport for these reasons. Many athletes, myself included, are suffering. I can’t tell you how many former athlete friends I have who have gone into debt or lost a lot of money. There are even couples who have become homeless.”
Athletes with disabilities also said they felt “guilty” for still relying on their families for financial support.
A government spokesperson said: “We are committed to providing multi-year funding to the elite sports system and enabling our athletes to thrive on the world stage.”
“This means supporting them financially to match their success in Paris and building on it, and supporting their achievements in LA 2028. We will provide further details in our Spending Review .”
The Government has invested £385 million of Treasury and Lottery funds for the Paris Olympic and Paralympic cycle.