Is a handful of gold medals once every four years worth GBP100m? "Elite Sports Development" addresses important sport policy questions in this unique text that explores the emergence, development and current status of elite sport development policy with detailed examination of Australia, Canada and the UK. The book looks at the problems faced in establishing an elite sport development infrastructure covering facilities, coaching, sports science and competition. Likewise, full-time athletes are explored and the tensions that a pre-occupation with elite achievement generates within the sports is also examined. Includes: * why governments invest heavily in elite sport; * the relationship between Government and NGB's * the impact of elite investment on 'sport for all' * the selection of individual sports for priority funding "Elite Sports Development" will be of interest to students, researchers and professionals working in sports development and policy.