Woodward May Quit 2012

The British Olympic Association’s Sir Clive Woodward could leave his post as director of elite performance if funding cannot be found for his project leading up to the 2012 Games.

Expected to cost millions, the project would allow Olympic coaches contact with some of the most internationally acclaimed sports scientists in preparation for London’s games.

So far, the attempt to find a sponsor has been unsuccessful, and the BOA maintains that it does not have the cash to fund such an endeavour. As companies are feeling the weight of the credit crunch, plans to continue with the search for funding the project might face termination when representatives meet at the National Olympic Congress next week.

With the possibility of this project coming to fruition looking grim, Woodward, who makes £300,000 annually at his post, would then have the minimal role in the 2012 games as part of the UK Sport’s Mission 2012 panel. Such a position entails meeting four times annually to discuss the development of Olympic and Paralympic sports.

Insiders have said that Woodward would not be satisfied with such a small role, and is more likely to leave if the project that would provide access to sports scientists does not find funding.