The athletic development of new generations has gained fresh momentum in Iceland. Last week, the National Olympic Committee announced the allocation of €1.63 million to fully or partially cover the expenses of 285 young athletes who participated in national team programs between January and March. This measure is part of an ambitious high-performance funding plan approved at the end of 2023, which includes a significant increase in public support to strengthen the country’s sports ecosystem.
The goal of this strategy is not only economic but also social: to ensure that no young talent is left out for financial reasons and to promote equal access to high-performance pathways. In a small nation of just 400,000 inhabitants, every emerging athlete is a meaningful investment. Iceland, which did not win any medals at the most recent Olympic Games in Paris 2024 or Beijing 2022, continues to focus on long-term development through training and consistent participation in international competitions.
A comprehensive model of support with a vision for 2025
The distribution of funds was channeled through 16 national federations, with a reimbursement mechanism that covered unpaid fees or refunded families who had already paid. A total of 71 eligible events were recorded during the first quarter, and all applications were reviewed under the criteria established by the executive board of the ÍSÍ High-Performance Fund. The allocation is part of a broader policy that includes €56.9 million for Iceland’s high-performance system in 2025, covering athlete salaries, infrastructure, and youth development.
The plan was designed following recommendations from a technical committee led by Vésteinn Hafsteinsson, former high-performance director of the Icelandic Sports Association. The report, presented in April 2023, proposed sweeping reforms inspired by successful models from neighboring countries. Targeted support for youth national teams is expected to reach €8.9 million over the course of 2025, aiming to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and internationally aligned system. In short, Iceland is laying the foundation to transform its Olympic performance from the ground up.
