UK Sport reveals 2015 performance targets for Rio 2016 Olympics

UK Sport has announced their performance targets for British athletes as the build-up towards the Rio 2016 Olympic Games continues.

The majority of milestone targeted events are World or European Championships with the collective medal target range for Olympic sports set between 39 and 71 and 110 to 156 for Paralympic sports.

UK Sport CEO Liz Nicholl expects the nation’s top sportswomen to continue to build on the ir success since the National Lottery funding via UK Sport began in 1997.

I know our sportswomen are poised for more success

She said: “Our female athletes have already played a huge role, through their success, in championing equality in our society, and it’s fantastic that the number of female medallists and sporting role models continues to increase Games after Games.

“Our National Lottery funded high-performance system invests equitably in athletes of equal medal potential, regardless of gender, and this is making a difference for women in sport.

“This year is all about final preparations for Rio, and I know our sportswomen are poised for more success.

“I urge the nation to get behind all our athletes, as they work hard to secure Olympic and Paralympic qualification, ready to amaze and inspire us all in Rio next year.”

A small number of sports or disciplines have already contested their milestone events for this year including GB Taekwondo, who secured three medals at the recent World Taekwondo Championships, including gold for Bianca Walkden.

The next milestone event will see the GB women’s hockey team compete in Valencia next week, where they will attempt to secure qualification for Rio 2016 as well as a place in the World League Final.