Athlete Appeals Against 2012 Lottery Funding Cuts
Sprint hurdler Andy Turner, who was one of many Great Britain athletes told their funding was being withdrawn or cut last week, has reportedly appealed against the decision to stop his lottery allowance.
Turner claims that he ‘has what it takes’ to succeed in the 2012 Games and feels that losing his funding is unjustified.
Turner’s appeal comes in the wake of UK Athletics chief Charles van Commenee’s announcement to cut funding for British athletes on lottery by 20 percent.
The new Athletics boss made the decision after reviewing Team GB’s performance in Athletics at Beijing, claiming that lottery funds needed to be distributed to those most likely to succeed in London 2012.
Turner claimed that while he has suffered injuries this year, he still proved himself over the last two years as capable to qualify for an Olympic final.
The athlete said he has written a letter to argue against the decision, and would look for a sponsor or part-time work if the appeal was unsuccessful.
Commenee has narrowed funding distribution down to 33 athletes, which includes Gold medallist Christine Ohuorugu. He claimed that further cuts will be made after next year’s World Championships in Berlin.
