Olympic stars still in debt despite Lottery

Britain's top athletes are still running up massive debts in their quest for Olympic glory.

Despite the introduction of National Lottery funding, a survey of Britain's Olympic team from Sydney, published today, showed that 37 per cent returned from Australia last October with average debts of £4,000.

Lottery funding was introduced for elite sports stars after the disappointment of the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, where team members ran up debts averaging £5,000 preparing for Britain's worst Games for 44 years.

Today's survey shows that athletes are still struggling.

In their report, the British Olympic Association Athletes Commission warns that the situation must improve if Britain is to repeat the magnificent achievements of Sydney.

Greg Whyte, chairman of the Athletes Commission, who sent out questionnaires to every member of the Sydney team, said: " Whilst it is recognised that Lottery funding has made an impact it has also resulted in the perception that athletes are financially secure. However, continued investment is necessary if performances are to continue to improve."

The report also highlights growing concern about the state of sports facilities in the country.

Last month Olympic heptathlon gold medallist Denise Lewis said Britain was a "third world country" when it came to facilities.

The report also found that the average annual income of the Olympic team was £16,700, way below the national average of £20,200.