Publication Date: 27/04/26
Our shared ambition is to build teams and individuals capable of delivering sustained success on the world stage. Selection decisions will be evidence-based, performance-informed and grounded in a longitudinal view of international competitiveness.
Our intention is to maximise the selection opportunities and encourage athletes and coaches to take a focused and strategic approach to competition planning, whereby you make informed choices that support performance readiness, long-term athlete development and ranking progression.
The following events will form the core of both team and individual Olympic qualification planning:
These events represent the backbone of the Olympic qualification pathway for LA28. BF is committed to being open and transparent about how these competitions will be approached and how performance will inform future selection decisions. Whilst LA28 is on the immediate horizon, when we look beyond, and specifically those athletes who are performing above performance trajectory markers, taking a longitudinal approach will allow us to provide the right developmental/performance ‘stretch’ at the right time.
In line with this approach, performances at the 2026 Major Championships will play a crucial role in strengthening rankings and positioning athletes effectively for the 2027 season and the Olympic qualification period. With this in mind, and subject to performance readiness, event quotas and available resources, BF intends to select full squads for Senior Major Championships in both 2026 and 2027, supporting athlete development through exposure to the highest levels of international competition. Selection for Senior Major Championships in 2026 and 2027 will be used not only to pursue immediate performance outcomes, but also as a platform for growth, learning and preparation for Olympic level demands, supporting athletes in building the skills and experiences required for success at LA 2028 and beyond.
BF will publish its formal Selection Policies for consultation. While no significant changes are anticipated, this process will allow refinement through community feedback. The objective remains consistent: to drive performance, uphold selection standards, and remove unnecessary barriers to sustained GBR success.
Selection exists to develop athletes and teams capable of delivering Major Championship success, now and in the future. Unless otherwise stated, selections will be guided by the following principles, applied in priority order:
| Principles as per the Selection policy. | Resources |
| 5.3.1 GENERAL PRINCIPLES The purpose of selection is to develop athletes and teams for Major Championship success. Unless otherwise stated below, Major Championships selections will be guided by performances in the following order: | BF Selection Policy |
| (1) the qualifying standards being met, | View the qualified athletes here. |
| (2) international results prioritising nominated international events, | Review the athlete performance data. |
| (3) team performance or performances in a team prioritising nominated international events, | BF tracks team and individual performance, with GB Pathway Coach feedback supporting merit‑based selection decisions. |
| (4) the potential to achieve future success internationally | BF tracks athlete progression, with priority given to those receiving UK Sport‑funded support. |
| (5) an active engagement with the GPP (The GBR Pathway Programme) | Active engagement with the GB pathway supported with an IDP that supports performance. |
| (6) when no other measures are available, the BF rankings are considered. | Where no differentiation can be made between qualified athletes using selection points 2 to 5, places will be allocated based on ranking. |
Rankings will continue to inform selection decisions but will not be applied in isolation. They will be considered alongside qualification standards, international performance context, team contribution and demonstrated potential for future success. This approach ensures selections remain performance‑led, fair and aligned to long‑term medal ambition.
For the European Games 2027, selections will be subject to confirmation by the British Olympic Association (BOA) and its nomination policy. Places will be limited to athletes and teams that have met the required qualification standards only.
The Olympic Zonal Qualification Event in 2028 will be covered by a separate nomination policy, and BF would only shift strategic focus and resources to this event if it becomes clear that qualification for the Games cannot be achieved through the normal qualification route. This would include situations where team or individual qualification in a specific weapon category is assessed as no longer viable, at which point the Zonal Qualification Event would become the most appropriate remaining pathway.
Athletes and coaches are encouraged to view selection as an opportunity to discuss competition planning and pathway objectives with BF, supporting informed decisions and the best possible preparation for future performance. Through this approach, we aim to create the conditions for athletes and teams to thrive internationally.
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