“This funding will be tremendously helpful as I train hard for the next Games,” said Jennifer Abel, two-time Olympian and London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist. “I’d like to thank the Canadian Olympic Committee for their continued support of athletes in Canada.”

“After a long year of training and competition, it feels fantastic to receive this funding reward,” said Damian Warner, London 2012 Olympian. “Thank you to everyone who has supported me on my quest towards excellence.”

“This is great news and a great initiative. If it wasn’t for funding of this sort, I am not sure I would be able to train and compete in a stress-free environment,” said Mandy Marchak, Canadian women’s rugby (7s and 15s) team member and Rio 2016 hopeful. “This goes a long way and it allows us athletes the ability to continue our quest toward sporting excellence.”

The fund is structured over a four year phase, with each cycle starting in the year preceding a Games. Year one and two eligibility criteria stipulate that athletes with a top five world ranking, from each sport, will be entitled to $5000. In year three (pre-Olympic year), guidelines stipulate the same, but only for a top four world ranking. In the fourth year (Olympic year), athletes will receive $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000 for a gold, silver and bronze medal respectively.

“The Athlete Excellence Fund is a fantastic initiative and one that not only supports our athletes, but helps motivate them to work even harder each and every day,” said Marcel Aubut, President, Canadian Olympic Committee. “Congratulations to each one of our recipients this year. I am looking forward to many more outstanding results on the road to Rio 2016.”

Year one summer Athlete Excellence Fund recipients for 2013 include: