Sports

British Olympic team 'must win' 41 medals in Beijing

by Amy Judd | August 5, 2008 at 02:13 pm

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The British Government demanded today that their Olympic team win at least 41 medals at the Beijing Olympics, which is above the previously announced target of 35.

The Olympic team has itself not announced a target, but UK Sport, the government branch that distributes lottery money decided on 41 medals.

The figures are important as they are monitored by the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, to ensure that "value for money" is obtained for government spending on sport.

Gerry Sutcliffe, the sports minister, told the BBC it was "vital" the British team reach not just the 35 but the 41 figure.

"That is a serious target," he said. "We want it to be achieved."

Of those medals, UK Sport expects 10 to 12 to be gold.

Mr Sutcliffe hinted that funding depended on success. "It's vital in the sense of the investment that's gone in," he said.

"There's been massive investment in professional elite sport, the opportunity for athletes to concentrate on their sport and do really well.

"These are very tough contracts between UK Sport and the individuals concerned. We'll evaluate immediately after Beijing what the success has been."

The British team has begun the journey to Beijing in time for the opening ceremony this Friday.

David Brailsford, performance director for the cyclists, suggested there could be no excuses if the British team failed to achieve.

My question though, is what will happen if this target isn't achieved? What can they do? I'm not sure, maybe withhold money from the funding for the next games.
Although, being a Brit, and always cheering on the British at every Olympics, I think the goal of 41 is a little ambitious, but I hope they prove me wrong this time.

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Velo Steve

at 08:16 on August 6th, 2008

Announcing any target at all so late before the games seems silly. Do they think some athlete is going to say "I was going to take it easy at the Olympics, but because of the target I'll try hard"? By now, all the hard work has been done and the tough decisions have been made. If there have been weaknesses in the preparation, they are in the past too. No athlete with a chance at a medal is going to do less than his best at the games. This announcement seems like political posing which can only put unnecessary pressure on the athletes and coaches.

araviglione

at 03:44 on August 7th, 2008

What a great experience being in Beijing in this moment!! And seeing the excitement of all the people, especially the Chinese people! I'm here for love and holidays and sport: may the Olympics be only this!!! Good luck UK! Good luck all!!

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