In a significant development for the future of British athletics, UK Sport has made an announcement regarding the forthcoming 2023 Diamond League.
With the event set to take place at London Stadium on Sunday, 23 July, UK Sport has pledged a staggering sum of up to £150,000 to support its delivery.
This sizeable investment, sourced from the National Lottery major event funding, has been earmarked to address a portion of the projected deficit in hosting this year’s event.
Moreover, it aims to lay the foundation for the sustained viability of the United Kingdom as the host of an annual Diamond League meeting. Undoubtedly, this funding boost will also bolster the future landscape of major international athletics events in the UK.
Notably, UK Sport’s commitment to British athletics extends beyond the Diamond League. Their recent injection of £1.45 million into the 2024 World Indoor Athletics Championships in Glasgow and £3 million into the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham exemplifies their dedication to cultivating a thriving athletic environment.
Commenting on this momentous announcement, Sally Munday, CEO of UK Sport, expressed her enthusiasm for witnessing the British athletes in action on the Diamond League stage in London.
Munday emphasized the significance of this opportunity for the public to witness world-class athletics firsthand, particularly as the Paris Olympic Games loom on the horizon, only a year away.
Munday further underscored the desire for the UK to retain its place on the coveted Diamond League calendar and outlined the objective of establishing financial sustainability for the event in the shortest possible timeframe.
She pledged to collaborate closely with UK Athletics in the lead-up to the event and beyond, in order to strive towards this goal.
The sentiment was echoed by Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, who expressed his delight at UK Sport’s support for this summer’s Diamond League at the iconic London Stadium.
Buckner commended UK Sport for their enduring commitment to major athletics events, recognizing the pivotal role they play in the athlete journey.
Hosting the Diamond League on British soil ensures that the GB and NI team receives unparalleled preparation and backing, bolstering their prospects for triumph in future major championships.
Buckner expressed sincere gratitude to UK Sport for the substantial award and eagerly anticipated collaborating with them to secure the long-term sustainability of athletics events hosted in the UK.
This partnership is poised to shape the future of British athletics, providing an enduring platform for athletes to excel on the global stage.