We encourage interaction, constructive criticism and debate and will endeavour to actively engage with our online audience. As the national governing body for athletics, British Athletics oversees the development and management of the nation’s favourite Olympic and Paralympic sport, from grassroots right through to podium. Since its inception in 1999, British Athletics has developed to become the most successful and robust athletics governing body in the world. Over the years it has matured to generate a clear vision for the sport – to drive up performance and raise standards in every event, every region and every age group. This vision is fuelled by a dedicated team of full time staff and part time volunteers who all share the same passion and ambition for athletics, and are therefore instrumental in ensuring that athletics remains the most popular Olympic and Paralympic sport. Yet the purpose of British Athletics does not end at preparing athletes for the world stage. Not only does it create mass appeal of a truly breathtaking spectator sport through televised events, British Athletics also plays a fundamental role in developing a ‘sport for all’ by encouraging participation no matter what your age, ability or background.