Among the Medals - athlete testimonials
Cornish born rower Annie Vernon receives funding from a UK Sport Performance Grant. As one of Britain’s top female rowers in one of Britain’s top stream sports, her funding is substantial. However she recognises the problems facing rowers trying establish themselves within the team:
“As part of UK Sport changing the way funding is given out last year, the top athletes are given more, but those at the bottom receive less. 
“The amounts and criteria are set by UK Sport but because of the Olympic and non-Olympic distinction, you either get loads (if you are Olympic boat class) or very little (if you are in non-Olympic boat). So the problem is, if you're trying to break into the squad you won't get much until you've been to the World Championships in an Olympic boat class, so will have to work part time; but once you're in, if you win a medal then you get absolutely loads. So that has obvious pros and cons.
“Lottery funding is clearly an amazing advantage, but it does mean that it can be harder to break into the squad if you are juggling a job, against full time rowers. We really couldn't compete without it, as to be successful as a nation, I think you need to have a 'money no object' attitude to ensure that you can have the best equipment, technology, and attract the best staff from around the world, and make your athletes the best prepared.”
Since this article was drafted, Alan Bircher has taken gold at the London leg of the FINA Marathon Swimming World Cup. Hopefully with continued investment, we may see him strike Olympic gold in two years time.