Triathlon receives £8.1 million from UK Sport

GB's triathlon and paratriathlon funding has increased by nearly £700,000 for Tokyo cycle

Published: December 9, 2016 at 4:14 pm

Despite warnings that there could be a decrease in Lottery funding due to a reduction in players UK Sport, who allocate resources, have given triathlon and paratriathlon a slight increase for the Tokyo cycle (£8,127,753 versus the £7,457,997 given for Rio).

This funding allows British Triathlon to have 25 triathletes and 16 paratriathletes within the World Class Programme. This is broken down to 21 triathletes and 4 training partners and 13 paratriathletes with three guides, who British Triathlon will announced soon.

British Triathlon performance manager Brendan Purcell said: “We received the best outcome that we could have hoped for from our funding bid, which is a significant vote of confidence in our world class programme. Thanks to UK Sport and the National Lottery for their continued support of triathlon and paratriathlon.”

In preparation for the 2020 Games, UK Sport began working with sports over a year ago on their individual strategies for success to ensure that the momentum continues from Rio to Tokyo.

The ongoing commitment from Government to supporting the nation’s ambitions for success on the Olympic and Paralympic stage has seen sustained levels of overall investment for the Tokyo cycle, at a challenging time for National Lottery good causes revenue.

Rod Carr, Chair of UK Sport, said: “These are critical funding decisions for sports to take them on their journey to Tokyo 2020 and beyond so the historic success at Rio can be maintained.

“We have received incredible support from the Government, who have confirmed their commitment to funding our ambitions through to Tokyo 2020, providing the financial assurances needed for the continued evolution of our high performance system to ensure the athletes and sports with strong medal potential have what they need to inspire the nation.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Government and National Lottery players for their continued support.”

Sports Minister Tracy Crouch said: "Rio 2016 was incredible – our Olympic and Paralympic heroes' amazing performances made the country proud. The four year journey to Tokyo 2020 starts now and the Government and National Lottery is backing UK Sport to help maintain our place as a sporting superpower.

"UK Sport's approach to elite sport has proven successful in Beijing, London and Rio and the ambition to win more medals in Tokyo is a bold one that, if achieved, would mean a sensational summer of sport in 2020."