In a significant shift, UK Sport has announced it will no longer channel investment in skiing and snowboarding through GB Snowsport, the sport’s governing body. Instead, the organization will directly fund athletes and coaches with £12.5 million ahead of the 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in the French Alps. This decision comes on the heels of Team GB’s historic success at the Milan-Cortina Games, where they secured five medals, including three golds—a first for British winter sports.
The move follows an independent review into GB Snowsport’s governance, which has raised questions about the organization’s leadership and management. Despite this, UK Sport has assured athletes that their funding will continue uninterrupted. The decision is part of a broader strategy to enhance the performance of British athletes in an increasingly competitive international landscape.
UK Sport’s Strategic Redirection of Funds
UK Sport’s decision to bypass GB Snowsport is driven by a desire to maximize the impact of its investments. Kate Baker, director of performance and people at UK Sport, emphasized the need for strategic changes to give athletes the best chance of success. The funding is part of a record £33 million investment into winter sports for the four-year cycle leading up to the 2030 Games.
The redirected funds will support a range of winter sports, with significant allocations going to bobsleigh and skeleton (£10 million), curling (£6.54 million), wheelchair curling (£1.93 million), ice skating (£2 million), and ice hockey (£445,000). This investment aims to build on the success of the Milan-Cortina Games and prepare athletes for future competitions.
Governance Review and Leadership Changes
GB Snowsport has faced leadership challenges in recent years, with two changes in chairmanship over the past three years. Michael Oesterlin, a non-executive director, is currently serving as interim chair. The organization has expressed disappointment with UK Sport’s decision but remains committed to working with the funding body. GB Snowsport has also completed an independent governance review, which it claims confirmed strong governance standards.
Despite the reassurances, UK Sport has decided to commission another independent review into GB Snowsport’s governance. This move underscores the organization’s commitment to ensuring that its investments are used effectively and that athletes have the support they need to succeed on the international stage.
The Future of Winter Sports Funding
Looking ahead, UK Sport plans to establish a new multi-sport delivery organisation called Sport Org. This entity will oversee elite performance programs for several sports, including curling, wheelchair curling, and bobsleigh and skeleton. Sport Org will take over from the British Bobsleigh & Skeleton Association (BBSA) in the run-up to the 2034 Winter Olympics in Utah.
The creation of Sport Org reflects a broader trend towards consolidating and streamlining the management of elite sports programs. By centralizing resources and expertise, UK Sport aims to create a more efficient and effective system for supporting athletes. This approach is expected to enhance the performance of British athletes and increase their chances of success in future competitions.
While the move has raised questions about the governance of the sport’s governing body, it also reflects a commitment to maximizing the impact of investments in athletes and coaches. As the 2030 Winter Olympics approach, the focus will be on preparing a strong team capable of building on the success of the Milan-Cortina Games.
