Hugh Chambers said yesterday that additional funds would only go to eight struggling British sports unless they meet strict performance objectives.
“There is no commitment that the money will go to those eight sports,” said Chambers, chief commercial officer of the British Olympic Association. “And the reason for that is that it's consistent with the Mission 2012 strategy and 'no compromise' strategy that, if they don't meet the criteria of success that Mission 2012 demands, then they won't qualify for it.”
According to UK newspaper the Guardian, Chambers did not reveal the performance criteria that needs to be achieved, however it means if no further funding materialises, all eight sports could end up virtually penniless with a year to go before the London Games.
Cash is being raised through the 'Team 2012' programme – the fundraising partnership between the BOA, UK Sport, London 2012 and British Paralympic Association – to help sports with the £50 million funding shortfall announced last year.
The eight sports in question are fencing, handball, volleyball, table tennis, water polo, weightlifting, wrestling and shooting. All eight chose to receive their entire Olympic budget upfront – an option UK Sport offered in an effort to allow these struggling sports to continue training – with hopes that private funding will become available as 2012 comes closer.
Sir Clive Woodward, the BOA director of elite performance, is due to start work with one of the eight sports imminently.
