"I don't think we could ever be disappointed in this group but I think we're all committed to making sure that performance happens [at the 2030 Games]. Performance is the thing that gives us the platform to do all of the other important stuff that we're doing out here."
"Asked if UK Sport would set a higher medal target for 2030 when the winter Olympic and Paralympic games will be held in the French Alps, Barker said: Yes. UK Sport will now undertake a review process that is expected to be completed by the summer."
"Barker raised doubts over whether Britain can effectively compete in some winter Paralympic sports, especially the Nordic events of cross-country skiing and biathlon. Together the events form a third of the winter Paralympic programme, but only one British athlete qualified for competition, Scott Meenagh, and he finished no higher than 14th in his four events."
Great Britain's performance at the Milano-Cortina Winter Paralympics fell short of expectations, securing only one silver medal through Neil Simpson in men's visually impaired alpine skiing, missing the reduced target of two to five medals. UK Sport's director of performance, Dr Kate Barker, acknowledged pride in many performances while committing to higher medal targets for the 2030 Winter Paralympics in the French Alps. A review process will be completed by summer to assess the programme's direction. Barker expressed concerns about Britain's competitiveness in Nordic events like cross-country skiing and biathlon, which comprise a third of the Paralympic programme but attracted minimal British participation. The focus will shift toward sports that can be effectively developed within the UK, such as slalom and curling.
#winter-paralympics #uk-sport-performance-targets #paralympic-funding-strategy #nordic-events-competitiveness #2030-winter-paralympics
Read at www.theguardian.com
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