World Athletics Championships: National Lottery athletes making their mark

For more than 30 years, players have raised £30 million every week for good causes, transforming sport in the UK by creating pathways that take athletes from grassroots clubs to the world stage.

As part of our Summer of Sports campaign, we're showcasing how National Lottery funding has developed women and girls' sport, including athletics, from grassroots through to elite level.

Today, National Lottery funding supports more than 1,000 elite athletes, giving them the chance to train full-time, work with the world’s best coaches, and access pioneering sports science, medical care and technology. This support is vital in preparing them to compete and succeed at the biggest events in the sporting calendar.

Beyond elite sport, National Lottery funding has invested £6 billion into grassroots athletics, upgrading facilities, supporting coaching, expanding participation and making the sport more accessible – building the foundation for future champions.

This year’s Championships will see athletes from over 200 nations competing on one of the biggest stages in world sport. Among them are GB stars Keely Hodgkinson, Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Daryll Neita as they chase gold in Tokyo.

World class athletes

The National Lottery’s World Class Programme, delivered by UK Sport and national governing bodies, identifies, develops and supports elite British athletes to achieve success at the highest level, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Thanks to National Lottery players, athletes on the programme receive world class coaching, access to expert sports science and medical support, and help with living costs, giving them the opportunity to focus entirely on their sport and fulfil their potential.

Changing the game

Behind every medal, every lap and every finish line are countless sporting dreams powered by National Lottery players.