Brits Will Compete In Vancouver

The International Olympic Committee has confirmed that British athletes will be allowed to compete in next month’s Winter Olympics – even if the sport’s governing body British Ski and Snowsport Federation enters administration.

The federation, which trades under the name Snowsport GB, is in financial crisis and it was feared that if it went bust then the participation of 15 athletes could have been under threat.

But the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed the athletes will not be affected due to rulings that allow athletes to compete without a federation.

The IOC’s rule states, ‘Should there be no national federation for a particular sport in a country which has a recognised National Olympic Committee the latter may enter competitors individually in such sport in the Olympic Games subject to the approval of the IOC executive board and the international federation governing such sport.’

In preparation for the Winter Olympics the athletes had their training programmes affected and had to fund their own way as they aimed for qualification.

The British Ski and Snowsport Federation agreed a refinancing package last year to help service their £600,00 but since then two funding streams have been deferred and the Royal Bank of Scotland withdrew a £30,000 overdraft option.