The British Elite Athletes Association (BEAA) will extend its support service for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, ensuring every Team GB and ParalympicsGB athlete has access to independent advice and guidance throughout.
From Monday 26 January to Tuesday 17 March 2026 , the BEAA’s Athlete Support Team will be available daily between 08:00 and 23:00 CET to offer confidential assistance on a range of matters, including mental health, welfare, safeguarding, classification, anti-doping and other general advice.
During this period, any British athlete selected for Milano Cortina 2026 can reach out for support, regardless of their sport, funding level, or previous engagement with the BEAA. In addition, the BEAA will be on hand to offer guidance and support to any staff members who have concerns about an athlete during the Games.
In the two years leading up to Milano Cortina, one in seven elite athletes has received support from the BEAA each year. The team provides a mixture of listening, advice, and referrals to legal or health professionals.
Athletes and staff can request BEAA support via:
· Email: support@britisheliteathletes.org
· Live chat: britisheliteathletes.org
· Phone: +44 203 924 4444
Throughout the Games, Team GB will also support athletes on the ground with a supporting doctor at each cluster. They will also have a registered psychologist taking on the role of Welfare Officer, leading a team of mental health champions across the delegation with the support of the UK Sports Institute Mental Health Expert Panel.
ParalympicsGB will provide comprehensive medical and mental health support across its two clusters in Cortina and Predazzo. This will include a doctor and a Lead Mental Health Officer, supported by a network of mental health champions.
BEAA CEO, Kelly Sotherton MBE, said: “We extend our support at every Games to ensure every British athlete selected has access to independent advice and guidance. It’s an important part of the service we provide and something we’re proud to offer at what is often the highlight of an athlete’s career.
“Competing at an Olympics or Paralympics is a unique experience, something that is inspiring, emotional and demanding in equal measure. We understand that and are here to provide personalised, independent and confidential advice to athletes alongside the support available through Team GB and ParalympicsGB.
“I’d also like to remind those not competing this winter that our services continue as normal for all World Class Programme-funded athletes. We’re here to help, so please do reach out if you need us.”
Eve Muirhead, Team GB’s Chef de Mission for Milano Cortina 2026, said: “I know first-hand how challenging the process of preparing for and competing at an Olympic Games can be, so ensuring Team GB athletes have the best possible support environment at Milano Cortina 2026 is a non-negotiable.
“While the resources we provide on the ground are fundamental, the complexity of a Games means every athlete will benefit from having the enhanced level of independent support from the BEAA.”
Clare Bishop, ParalympicsGB’s Head of Athlete Services, said: “The health and wellbeing of all ParalympicsGB team members has been, and continues to be, our number one priority.
“Welfare is central to our preparation and planning and, working with our Partners across the high-performance system, we have a variety of strategies in place to ensure athletes and staff are supported before, during and after the Games. We are grateful to the BEAA for its independent support service, which is a valuable part of that framework.”
Two-time Olympian and BEAA Athlete Advisory Forum member, Brad Hall, added: “Being part of the Games is incredible, but with the scale of the event, the attention it brings and the drive to perform at your best, there’s a lot to take in.
“For some athletes, being able to speak to someone independent of your team environment can be really helpful, which is why the service the BEAA provides is so important. It’s reassuring to know they are there to listen and offer guidance at such a big moment in your career and that can make all the difference.”
