The success of the UK’s largest independent athlete support programme, the GLL Sport Foundation has once again been recognised, with 59 athletes, who’ve received financial or practical help from the Foundation, winning medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

GLL supported athletes from across the United Kingdom won a total 21 gold, 21 silver and 17 bronze medals in a range of sports spanning everything from swimming, athletics and weightlifting to wheelchair basketball, hockey and tennis.

The medalists represented England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland and included Andrea Spendolini-Siriex & Noah Williams (Diving), Aiden & Michaela Walsh (Boxing), Hannah Russell & Grace Harvey (Swimming), Daryll Neita (Athletics) and Anna Hursey (Table Tennis).

In 2022 over 1,500 talented athletes secured funding from the Sport Foundation, with 146 selected to represent their nations at the historic Birmingham Games.  Overall 87% of supported athletes receive no other centralised or independent assistance, highlighting the huge practical challenges many face when aspiring to compete at top level.

Daryll Neita, who secured a bronze in the women’s 100m and a silver in the 4x4 100m relay said: “I am so thankful for the support I have received from GLL Sport Foundation. My first individual medal ever is extremely special and I would not be here if it wasn’t for the support I have received from the GLL ‘family’.”

Saffron Severn, part of England’s bronze medal winning rhythmic gymnastics team, trains at Better Gym Bexleyheath, Saffron said: “If it wasn’t for being able to access GLL facilities I don’t know how I would’ve got through. I would like to thank all the GLL staff for their support.”

Peter Bundey, GLL Sport Foundation Chair, paid tribute to the medal winning athletes commenting:  “We know the enormous hard work, sacrifice and dedication that goes into becoming an elite athlete and it is hugely rewarding to see so many of the athletes we are helping or have assisted in the past, achieving the success that they deserve.

“The 2022 Commonwealth Games are particularly special being on home soil and it has been great to see the diverse pool of talent, within our cohort of supported athletes, winning across such a wide range of sports, while representing each of the four home nations.

“These Games have demonstrated the need for a Foundation like ours and its ability to make a real difference. Without the appropriate financial and practical support many talented sportsmen and women might otherwise not have achieved their full potential or had the honour of representing their country.”

The GLL Sport Foundation is designed to give young talented athletes financial assistance, access to sports facilities and athlete support services. It works in partnership with SportsAid, SportsAid Wales and the Mary Peters Trust in Northern Ireland as well as numerous sporting, medical and local authority partners.