UK SPORT ENDS DIRECT FUNDING TO GB SNOWSPORT AHEAD OF 2030 WINTER OLYMPICS

UK Sport will no longer channel investment in skiing and snowboarding through GB Snowsport, the sports' UK governing body. Instead, UK Sport will distribute £12.5m of funding directly to athletes and coaches in the four-year cycle before the 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The decision follows Team GB's most successful Winter Olympics at Milan-Cortina in February, where the team won five medals including three golds—the first time Britain has won more than one gold medal at a single Winter Games. UK Sport has written to all snowsport athletes receiving funding to confirm that grants will continue to be paid directly to them.

An independent review will now be established into GB Snowsport's governance. The organisation stated it was "disappointed" by the decision but said it has recently concluded an independent governance review, funded by UK Sport, which "confirmed that our governance standards remain strong and appropriate". GB Snowsport said it "reserves the right to keep all options open" and added that it looks forward to engaging in the new review. The organisation has advertised for a new chair after changing leadership twice in three years; Michael Oesterlin currently serves as interim chair.

The £12.5m represents part of a record overall investment of more than £33m into winter sports for the cycle, an increase of approximately £0.5m from the previous four-year cycle. Kate Baker, director of performance and people at UK Sport, said the funding reflects the belief that "the current British winter sport cohort have even more potential for Alpes 2030". The investment is made possible through sustained support from the National Lottery and the UK Government.