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Tom Bosworth loses World Class Programme funding and support from British Athletics

Racewalker Tom Bosworth has lost British Athletics funding for the coming year.

The 31-year-old from Tonbridge AC finished 25th in the men's 20km walk at the Tokyo Olympics in August.

Tom Bosworth celebrates winning the men's 5km walk at the British Athletics Indoor Championships in 2020. Picture: Reuters/Russell Cheyne
Tom Bosworth celebrates winning the men's 5km walk at the British Athletics Indoor Championships in 2020. Picture: Reuters/Russell Cheyne

After a season disrupted by injury, Bosworth was disappointed that he is no longer part of the World Class Programme.

"I’m so disappointed to be removed for the program after a season hampered by injury," he wrote on Twitter.

"The loss of financial and medical support will be huge.

"I want to thank those who’ve helped and supported me since 2015! We’re so lucky to have the WCP, so congratulations to all (other athletes) selected!"

British Athletics have offered membership of the programme to 67 athletes for 2021/22, a list that includes Kent's Adam Gemili and Dina Asher-Smith.

Dartford's Gemili suffered a hamstring injury in the 200m heats in Tokyo while Asher-Smith had to withdraw from the 200m but was fit enough to help Team GB win bronze in the 4x100m relay.

Dina Asher-Smith, second from right, won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics in the 4x100m replay. Picture: PA Wire
Dina Asher-Smith, second from right, won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics in the 4x100m replay. Picture: PA Wire

British Athletics performance director Sara Symington said: “As we start the Paris cycle, and longer-term Los Angeles 2028, we made a number of informed decisions in regard to the World Class Programme membership that aligns with our strategic priorities.

"We will work closely with the 67 athlete and coach pairings that we are offering membership to and will look to add support and value in their journey via their individual athlete plan.

“The selection process is robust and lengthy, and we use a lot of data which is complemented by the knowledge of our event leads to inform the decision-making process. We have given careful consideration to those athletes who meet the selection criteria and performance matrix which align to the future ambitions of the World Class Programme."

British Athletics Olympic World Class Programme Athletes: Olympic Podium: Dina Asher-Smith, Alex Bell, Holly Bradshaw, Adam Gemili, Callum Hawkins, Keely Hodgkinson, Abigail Irozuru, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Josh Kerr, Nick Miller, Laura Muir, Andrew Pozzi, Jemma Reekie, Jazmin Sawyers, Lynsey Sharp, Lorraine Ugen, Jake Wightman.

Olympic Podium Potential: Elizabeth Bird, Emily Borthwick, Taylor Campbell, Harry Coppell, Melissa Courtney-Bryant, Oliver Dustin, Niamh Emerson, Tom Gale, Elliot Giles, Jake Heyward, Jessie Knight, Morgan Lake, Scott Lincoln, Eilish McColgan, Sophie McKinna, Naomi Metzger (née Ogbeta), Lawrence Okoye, Aimee Pratt, Charlotte Purdue, Daniel Rowden, Marc Scott, Cindy Sember, Jessica Turner, Jamie Webb, Laura Weightman, Callum Wilkinson.

Olympic Relays: Kristal Awuah, Zoey Clark, Emily Diamond, Beth Dobbin, Zharnel Hughes, Richard Kilty, Imani-Lara Lansiquot, Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake, Daryll Neita, Ashleigh Nelson, Laviai Nielsen, Asha Philip, Ama Pipi, Reece Prescod, Jodie Williams, Nicole Yeargin.

Olympic Confirmation Level: Jeremiah Azu, Ellie Baker, Molly Caudery, Piers Copeland, Jona Efoloko, Jessica Mayho, Holly Mills, Thomas Randolph.

Read more: All the latest sports news in Kent

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