Deaflympics: Gladiators star appeals for more support for deaf athletes in BBC documentary

Britain’s fastest Deaf swimmer Nathan Young contacted, external a combination of UK Sport, Sport England, DCMS, the National Lottery and individual sporting governing bodies every day via social media for nearly 1,200 days to appeal for funding.

As a result, the Deaflympic bronze medal winner was blocked by the National Lottery account. The organisation later apologised.

“The point where I started the campaign was when I was the only athlete that ended up going to Brazil for the World Championships,” the 20-times British champion said.

“A lot of swimmers couldn’t continue with the sport they love because they had to go and get jobs or move further in education.

“Right now I don’t wear a single piece of GB kit because I no longer feel like I represent my country, only myself.”

A BBC Sport freedom of information request found the idea of bidding to host the Deaflympics was rejected by UK Sport back in 2016 and they have no plans to bid for future competitions. The UK last hosted the Deaflympics in 1935 when they were opened by King George V.

A UK Sport spokesperson said: “We understand the frustration of athletes targeting the Deaflympics, but our remit is specifically focused on investing in sports and athletes who are eligible to compete at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“As the Deaflympics falls outside of Olympic and Paralympic sport, we are therefore unable to fund athletes targeting this event. However, it is important to note that where there are Deaf athletes who meet other eligibility criteria that enables them to compete in Olympic and Paralympic sports, then we can and do support them.”