Climbing has secured the biggest funding boost among a range of sports receiving millions in additional investment from UK Sport, as the agency sharpens its focus on Britain's medal prospects for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The sport has been awarded an extra £1.4 million—a staggering increase of more than 60%—in recognition of its growing medal potential. This injection of funds will allow eight more athletes to join an expanded performance programme, and will support preparations for new events ahead of both the next Paralympics and Olympics. For the first time, the LA Games will feature three climbing medal categories, marking a major milestone for the discipline.
This surge in support comes on the heels of a historic breakthrough at Paris 2024, where 19-year-old Toby Roberts claimed gold in the boulder and lead event—Great Britain's first-ever Olympic medal in sport climbing. His triumph has sparked a wave of interest across the UK, with participation numbers climbing and the Pro Climbing League launching earlier this year to capitalize on the momentum.
Climbing is just one of 16 sports sharing a £4 million pot of additional funding, distributed by UK Sport following its annual review. The agency has emphasized that the money will play a critical role in helping British athletes deliver their best performances on the global stage in two years' time, and is essential to ensuring the UK continues to compete at the highest level of Olympic and Paralympic sport. In total, UK Sport is investing nearly £334 million across the entire LA 2028 cycle for both Olympic and Paralympic disciplines.
Other sports also receiving boosts include canoeing (£163,825) and para-canoeing (£112,000), which will use the funds to adapt to changes in qualification rules. Lacrosse, set to make its Olympic debut in LA, will see a £201,600 uplift as it builds toward inclusion on the programme. Additional beneficiaries include visually impaired judo, table tennis, surfing, and wheelchair fencing.
Dr. Laura Needham, performance director at the British Mountaineering Council, highlighted the broader impact of the funding: "As the sport continues to evolve toward LA 2028, this allows us to expand the support services around our athletes—including psychology, nutrition, physiotherapy, and medical provision. Bringing these elements together is vital to ensuring the GB Climbing team can maximize their potential and keep progressing on the world stage."
Kate Baker, director of performance at UK Sport, added: "This uplift comes at a crucial point in the LA 2028 cycle and is critical to our collective efforts to help British athletes achieve their best." With climbing riding a wave of success and investment, the sport is poised for an even brighter future on the international stage.