Portuguese Olympic athletes are set to receive a significant funding increase and long-term development support from the government, aimed at professionalizing their preparation and boosting global competitiveness ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
The Portuguese government announced an additional $8.56 million for Olympic preparation, bringing the total allocation for the LA2028 cycle to $32.2 million. This represents a substantial boost compared to the funding provided for the recently concluded Paris 2024 cycle.
The funding increase is part of a broader 12-year National Sports Development Plan. This comprehensive initiative has an estimated execution budget of $139.1 million.
Athletes have welcomed the news, highlighting that prior funding levels were often insufficient due to rising inflation.
Triathlete Vasco Vilaça, who placed fifth at Paris 2024 and third in this year’s World Championship, underscored the positive impact. “More support and more money helps us to prepare for the Olympic Games in a better way,” he stated, adding that it shows interest in sport as an important tool for public health and elite athletes.
Vilaça, 25, noted that the new funds will enable more training camps and extended periods at high altitude. It will also allow for better travel arrangements, such as shorter flights, and the ability to bring a masseur to reduce injury risks.
“There are many details where all this money makes a huge difference,” Vilaça emphasized.
Cyclist Maria Martins, who finished 14th in the omnium at Paris 2024, echoed these sentiments. She said it is crucial for athletes to have the necessary conditions to reach Los Angeles in peak form, noting that government support simplifies a challenging journey.
Martins stressed that increased funding allows federations to offer better preparation options, including nutritionists, travel, and more opportunities to compete in races. “The funds are, without a doubt, the source that allows us to have these possibilities,” she said.
Rowers Afonso Costa, 29, and Patrícia Batista, European champions in sea rowing, also expressed satisfaction. Their sport remains heavily dependent on state funding.
Costa noted that Portugal is moving towards professionalizing its athletes, enabling them to focus solely on training without needing a second job. “We are competing with very professional athletes, and we will have to have, at a minimum, the conditions for us to be professionals,” he stated.
Batista outlined the pair’s ambitious goals leading up to Los Angeles 2028, which include revalidating their European title and aiming to become world champions.