Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes are being backed in a broader and more agile way than ever before in the lead-up to the Milan Cortina 2026 and LA 2028 Games.
The Athlete Performance Award (APA) forms just one element of an athlete support package on offer for funded athletes in Olympic and Paralympic sport that aims to nurture a cohort of resilient and independent people and performers and is growing in breadth and depth.
In April, thanks to the continued support of The National Lottery, UK Sport announced an increase in APA budget, with the amount of APAs raised at all levels.
Athletes joining a UK Sport performance programme can access a wide range of digital and in-person offers to best prepare them for the demands associated with progression to the Olympic and Paralympic podium and beyond.
This best-in-class offering has been bolstered by an all-new Athlete Support Digital Offer. The Athlete Core Offer is a suite of digital learning and development resources. These resources are to complement the existing one-to-one support and cover topics such as mental health, financial literacy, leadership, identity development, entrepreneurship and social media.
Sports equip athletes with everything they need to develop, perform and thrive in and out of competition. Support for programme athletes includes but is not limited to:
- Comprehensive sports science and medicine support
- Automatic membership of the British Elite Athletes’ Association (BEAA), the independent representative body for Britain’s elite athletes, providing support, representation and community.
- Private medical cover from BUPA through the Athlete Medical Scheme, supporting physical and mental health whenever required.
- Funded athletes within a WCP have access to a Performance Lifestyle Practitioner who provide tailored support around personal and professional development.
- Access to the Intensive Rehab Unit at Bisham Abbey, offering an agile suite of high-level rehabilitation services at no cost to athletes on funded Performance Programmes.
- Opportunity to apply for a Personal Development Award to support personal and professional development, including courses, skill development or professional body fees.
- Access to pilot virtual internships across multiple industries, offering global work experience in a remote professional setting.
Athletes are supported in navigating their departure from being a funded athlete, with mental health support from Sporting Chance, up to three months of transition funding and up to 2 years Performance Lifestyle support.
This world-leading support package is enabled by working in partnership with the UK Sports Institute, Home Nations Sports Councils, National Governing Bodies, BEAA, Team GB and ParalympicsGB.
UK Sport Athlete Support Lead Joanna Jones said:
“It is vital that our athletes have the right support to be the best versions of themselves on and off the field of play. Collaboration across the high performance community can ensure they perform at their very best and continue to thrive when their time as an elite athlete comes to an end. Our athlete support offering aims to be fluid, intuitive and fit for the future. We encourage athletes to take ownership of their sporting journey and the resources available, whilst preparing for themselves for life beyond elite sport.”
Kelly Sotherton MBE, CEO of the British Elite Athletes Association, said:
“Being an elite athlete is a unique experience that comes with significant demands. It is therefore essential that athletes have access to holistic support that aids their performance and wellbeing, as well as developing the skills and knowledge that will help them succeed in their careers after sport. We know how important it is that athletes feel able to use the support available, and we’d encourage them to explore what’s on offer and take up the opportunities that feel right for them.”
Hollie Pearne-Webb MBE, Olympic champion and Chair of the BEAA’s Athlete Advisory Forum, said:
“Having a strong support system is so important as an athlete, not only to help you perform at your best, but also to ensure you’re well equipped to navigate life outside of sport. Having recently retired, I know the benefits of investing in your personal and professional development while you are competing, so it’s worth seeing how the resources provided by UK Sport can help you make the most of your time on the World Class Programme.”