Several U.K. World Medalists Axed From Financial Support From Government Agency

Former U.K. world medalists Andy Turner, Jenny Meadows and Lisa Dobriskey are "among a host of well-known athletes who have been axed from Lottery support following a tightening of the rules by UK Sport," according to Simon Hart of the London TELEGRAPH. The government agency has decreed that only athletes "with genuine medal potential at world or Olympic level are now eligible for financial backing," leaving UK Athletics with no choice but to "drop a number of high-profile stars from its World Class Performance Programme." Other casualties include world indoor triple jump champion Yamile Aldama, British javelin record-holder Goldie Sayers and Olympic 5,000m and 10,000m finalist Jo Pavey. Only 22 athletes "have been selected for 'podium' funding on the Olympic programme," with 25 athletes being "chosen for Paralympic 'podium' support" (TELEGRAPH, 10/14).