First six members of Team GB's athletic team for Rio named

The athletes will compete for Team GB in the marathon and 50km men's race walk events at Rio 2016 – with the rest of the athletics team to be announced in the coming months.

In the men's marathon, Derek Hawkins is selected in the third spot alongside younger brother Callum and Tsegai Tewelde, who both qualified automatically as the first two Brits across the line in this year's London Marathon; with all three running under the qualifying time.

Alyson Dixon sealed her spot in Rio as the first Brit home and a 13th-place finish in London, with Sonia Samuels finishing one position behind and also booking a ticket to Brazil – with both having already run the qualifying time in Berlin last September.

Along with the marathon runners, 50km race walker Dominic King has also been selected to represent Team GB with Rio set to be his second Olympic Games after competing in the same event four years ago at London 2012 – where he finished 51st.

"I congratulate the six athletes, and their coaches, on being selected to represent Team GB at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games this summer," Black said.

"The positive performances in London this weekend, and over the entire selection period, allowed us to select a strong endurance team for Rio and we are confident these athletes will represent the nation to the best of their abilities."

Speaking directly after the London Marathon, Dixon said: "It feels like a dream come true and hasn't really sunk in. Going to the Olympics is something I have dreamed of for 20 years. I've dreamed of Rio but today was the focus and I wanted to make sure I nailed selection and got myself on the plane.

"The aim was to finish top two in the London Marathon so I am really happy," Hawkins added.

"My brother (Derek Hawkins) and my dad, who is my coach, have experience of running marathons so have helped me.

"Rio was my main goal in this race and I didn't care about the time so I'm delighted with my position and securing selection."

Sportsbeat 2016