Laura Needham appointed as Head of Performance at the British Mountaineering Council

Laura, who brings with her a strong track record of success and a wealth of experience spanning three Olympic cycles working with elite athletes at British Triathlon and GB Boxing, will take up the role at the BMC on Monday 6 January 2025.

In her current role as Co-Head of Physiology at the UK Sport Institute, she is an integral part of the leadership team within the Human Performance Directorate. Having played a crucial role in shaping the physiology investment and service for Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, she brings with her expertise in building strategies for elite medal-winning environments.

In triathlon, she has supported coaches and athletes on the ground, including a serial Olympic medal-winning athlete. With experience in performance planning alongside team leader responsibilities at international camps and competitions, Laura is highly experienced in managing logistics, staff, athletes, and training schedules.

On her appointment, Laura Needham, incoming Head of Performance, said: “I feel honoured and privileged to be appointed Head of Performance at the BMC. Having dedicated much of my career to supporting athletes and their performance journeys, I am excited to bring my unique blend of skills, insight, and experience to the organisation.

“My philosophy of putting athletes at the heart of everything we do aligns perfectly with the BMC’s mission. As we continue to grow and evolve, I look forward to working closely with staff, partners, volunteers, and all stakeholders to create an environment where our athletes can thrive.

“Passionate about the outdoors, I am often found exploring the hills with my four-legged friends. I love what the BMC stands for and I am looking forward to starting the role; supporting the incredible climbing community and helping to inspire those curious about the activities to get out and enjoy them.”

Following a successful Olympic Cycle at the Paris 2024 Games, the BMC started the extensive Head of Performance recruitment process in the summer of this year, working alongside UK Sport, the Competition Climbing Performance Group (CCPG), and athlete representatives.

Freddie Naish, Chair of the Competition Climbing Performance Group (CCPG), added: “I am excited to see Laura joining as Head of Performance. She has been fantastic to work with on CCPG over the past 16 months, and I’m looking forward to seeing what she now brings to the staff team and on the ground.”

Laura has been a dedicated member of the BMC Board and the CCPG for the past 16 months. During her tenure on the board, she has served as the board champion for anti-doping and equity, diversity, and inclusion. Supporting the CCPG, she has acted in an advisory role on all aspects of performance, including strategic direction, selection policy development, and UK Sport submissions.

Paul Ratcliffe, Chief Executive of the BMC, said: “Following a thorough recruitment process where 37 candidates applied, we are thrilled to welcome Laura to the senior management team as our new Head of Performance to lead the Performance Programme into the LA cycle. Laura’s proven track record in leadership through the Rio, Tokyo and Paris Games cycles will be invaluable.

“Her athlete-centred philosophy will be at the heart of her approach in leading the BMC performance department to inspire our climbers to be the best they can be, foster a team-oriented environment, and build stronger relationships within the whole climbing community.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Jon Garside for undertaking the role of Acting Head of Performance at a critical time for the department, and to the whole GB Climbing staff team for helping to steer us through a challenging and successful year.”