British Athletics announce World Class Performance Programme

The Word Class Performance Programme, funded by the National Lottery through UK Sport, is split into two levels. Podium is for athletes with the potential to medal at Rio 2016, while Podium Potential is for athletes developing towards Tokyo 2020.

The likes of Olympic champions Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Greg Rutherford are included in the 38-strong Olympic Podium programme.

A further 39 athletes have been chosen for the Podium Potential programme � including the likes of London 2012 Olympians Sophie Hitchon and Danny Talbot � with Black adamant the future is bright.

"Our World Class Performance Programme selections for 2014-15 once again reflect on the criteria of medal potential at the Olympic and Paralympic Games," he said.

"Competition for places on the programme is extremely competitive and this year the selection panel faced tough performance decisions based on such stipulations in this funding cycle.

"Next year we are looking to build on the excellent foundations set in 2014 and I�m excited about how our athletes will fare on the global stage at the World Championships in Beijing and the IPC World Championships in Doha.

"I'd like to thank the National Lottery and UK Sport for their continued investment in the World Class Performance Programme. The support enables our athletes to be the best prepared in their quest for success in 2016, at the home World Championships in 2017 and beyond."

� Sportsbeat 2014