Cyclist Jess Varnish loses employment tribunal

To optimise for archiving, the original image and related documents associated with this article have been removed.

Jess Varnish, the former Great Britain track cyclist, has lost her landmark employment case against British Cycling and UK Sport.

Varnish began legal proceedings after claiming she was dropped from the British Cycling squad for the 2016 Rio Olympics in retaliation for criticising her coaches. She argued that she was in effect an employee of both British Cycling and UK Sport and therefore should be subject to certain protections under law – including sick pay, a pension and the right to sue for unfair dismissal.

Had she been successful at a hearing in Manchester last month, it could have had huge implications for the model that enables athletes to receive tax-free funding to pursue their Olympic dreams.

UK Sport said the judge's decision gave them "confidence" in the way relationships between athletes, governing bodies and itself are managed, but the body added it will "reflect on the concerns that were raised through this case".

28 year-old Varnish commented that she had no regrets and added ‘I am happy I was the catalyst for other athletes to speak up and challenge their coaches and organisations, to push for a better and fairer environment in which to excel.’

UK sport said that they have already taken action and will continue to strengthen the duty of care and welfare provided to athletes, ensuring that avenues for raising any concerns are effective and appropriate.

For more information see here.

You may also like

View All

PGA of America CEO apologies to McIlroy family due to Ryder Cup abuse

The Professional Golfers’ Association of America CEO Derek Sprague will apologise to the family of professional Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy for the abuse they faced during the Ryder Cup

Read More

Paris 2024 Olympic Games had modest economic impact

According to France’s Court of Auditors, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games only produced a modest economic impact

Read More

WADA 2026 Prohibited List

The World Anti-Doping Agency has published its 2026 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods which it agreed in a meeting on 11 September 2025 and will bring into effect on 1 January 2026

Read More