UK Sport to end medals obsession

UK Sport have taken their first steps away from the medals-at-all-costs funding strategy, opting to spend £3million on sports that can have a positive ‘social impact’ despite limited podium potential for tokyo 2020. Surfing, skateboarding and softball will now receive cash seemingly without a medal expected in return. the 14 sports sharing the pot of Government cash, called the Aspiration Fund, include ones that had their funding cut two years ago, such as badminton and fencing. Wheelchair rugby will receive the maximum £500,000, but British Basketball has missed out due to continued concerns over its financial sustainability. Liz Nicholl, outgoing chief executive of UK Sport, said: ‘the core of our investment strategy remains focusing on inspiring the nation through medal success. ‘But this is a real opportunity for us to reach more sports and more athletes. It’s also a chance for us to pilot something and see whether there are any aspects to add to our future strategy.’