The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has it will receive winter sports program funding in the lead up to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan.

Combined funding from the federal government and Australian Institute of Sport will total $28.6 million over the next four years.

Having a concrete funding estimate will allow the AOC and winter team to prepare more precisely for the next winter games, allowing them to build on a strong performance at Beijing 2022.

Commenting on the announcement, AOC CEO, Matt Carroll, stated: “Certainty is the key. This is a very welcome announcement of funding that runs across the winter quad for the first time ever.”

“The success of the Australian Team in Beijing will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of winter athletes.

“Driving the virtuous circle of sport – participation, pathways and performance is an investment in Australia’s future,” he said.

On the importance of sport in Australia, Carroll, said: “We know our high performing winter and summer athletes inspire people to have a go.”

“That’s the power of sport. Importantly, that’s the great benefit that sport can make to the bigger picture of health and wellbeing in Australia.

“Sport has so much to contribute to solving issues around obesity, physical and mental health, so this investment by government needs to be viewed in that context,” he said.

This announcement follows prior grassroots funding by the federal government, including $10.6 million towards Paralympians.