UK sport: Biggest boost for climbing comes from increased Olympic and Paralympic funding

Climbing is one of several sports to receive millions of pounds of extra funding as UK Sport bids to boost Britain’s hopes of the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

In recognition of its medal potential, the sport was handed an extra £1.4m, an increase of over 60%.

This will enable eight athletes to add to an enhanced performance program and prepare for new events ahead of the next Paralympics and Olympics, which will feature three climbing medal categories for the first time.

Toby Roberts won gold – Great Britain’s first medal in sport climbing at an Olympics – in the boulder and lead events at Paris 2024. At the age of 19.

Since the victory, there has been an upsurge in participation in Britain with the launch of pro climbing leagues Earlier this year.

Climbing is one of 16 sports benefiting from £4m following the UK Sport annual review.

The organization said the money “will play a vital role in enabling British athletes to deliver their best performances in the US in two years’ time…(and) is essential to ensure Britain can continue to compete at the top table of Olympic and Paralympic sport”.

It is investing a total of around £334m for the entire LA 2028 cycle in both Olympic and Paralympic sports.

Canoeing (£163,825) and para-canoeing (£112,000) will also rise to support adaptation to changes in eligibility rules.

Lacrosse, which will make its Olympic debut in LA 2028, will receive a £201,600 boost as it prepares for inclusion in the programme.

Other sports for the facility include visually impaired judo, table tennis, surfing and wheelchair fencing.

Dr Laura Needham, performance director at the British Mountaineering Council, said: “As the sport continues to evolve towards LA 2028, this funding allows us to expand a wide range of support services around our athletes, including psychology, nutrition, physiotherapy and medical systems.

“Combining these elements is vital to ensure the GB Climbing Team can maximize their potential and continue to progress on the world stage.”

Kate Baker, UK Sport’s director of performance, said: “This promotion comes at an important point in the LA 2028 cycle and is vital to our collective efforts to help British athletes perform at their best when it matters most.

“By investing early, whether supporting emerging medal opportunities, responding to changes in competition structures or preparing for new Olympic sports, we are strengthening our competitive edge on the world stage.”