by Four-time Olympian Eilish McColgan is a notable absentee from the list of 65 athletes named to join the UK Athletics World Class program for 2024 and 2025.
McColgan, a Commonwealth Games champion and four-time European medalist, finished 15th in the women’s 10,000 meters in Paris after recovering from knee surgery.
The 33-year-old effectively called time on her track career after her race in the French capital and has set her sights on the women’s marathon at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
A group of 65 athletes have been nominated to become members of our world-class Olympic program for 2024/25.
All the details 👇
– British Athletics (@BritAthletics) October 17, 2024
McColgan, who was on the podium for potential funding for the build-up to Paris, won an appeal against his exclusion from the world-class program in 2016.
And since her transition to the road has been hampered by a series of injuries in recent years, she will have a chance to re-enter the program if and when she succeeds in the marathon distance.
Georgia Bell, who won a bronze medal in the women’s 1500m in Paris, and Harrogate long jumper Jacob Fincham-Dukes, who finished fifth in the French capital, have been brought straight into the premier squad of the podium.
Three other athletes who enjoyed success in Paris – Max Burgin, Emile Cairess and Amber Anning – were promoted from potential podium level.
GB Olympic Athletics Head Coach Paula Dunn said: “Athletics has won 10 medals on the world stage for two years running and this investment is key to that.
“I believe we have demonstrated as a sport that we are directing this investment in the right areas and I look forward to receiving confirmation of our investment in Los Angeles later this year.”
