Climbing is scaling new heights as the biggest winner in UK Sport's latest funding boost, scoring an additional £1.4 million—a staggering increase of over 60%. This investment is part of a strategic push to strengthen Britain's medal prospects at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The extra funding will allow eight more athletes to join an expanded performance program, with preparations ramping up for new events. For the first time, the next Paralympics and Olympics will feature three climbing medal categories, opening up fresh opportunities for Team GB to shine.
This surge in support comes on the heels of Toby Roberts' historic gold medal win at Paris 2024. At just 19 years old, Roberts claimed Great Britain's first-ever Olympic medal in sport climbing, triumphing in the boulder and lead event. His victory has sparked a nationwide climbing craze, with participation soaring and the Pro Climbing League launching earlier this year.
Climbing is just one of 16 sports sharing in £4 million of additional funding following UK Sport's annual review. The agency emphasized that this money is "critical" to helping British athletes deliver their best performances in Los Angeles, ensuring the nation remains competitive at the highest level of Olympic and Paralympic sport. For the entire LA 2028 cycle, UK Sport is investing nearly £334 million across all disciplines.
Other sports also received welcome boosts. Canoeing and Para-canoeing will get £163,825 and £112,000 respectively to adapt to changes in qualification rules. Lacrosse, making its Olympic debut at LA 2028, will benefit from a £201,600 uplift as it gears up for inclusion. Additional funding is heading to visually impaired judo, table tennis, surfing, and wheelchair fencing.
Dr. Laura Needham, performance director at the British Mountaineering Council, highlighted the broader impact: "As the sport continues to evolve towards LA 2028, this funding also allows us to expand the wider support services around our athletes, including psychology, nutrition, physiotherapy, and medical provision." With these resources, Team GB's climbers are poised to reach even greater heights.