British Athletics have announced that Chris Bennett has been re-added to the World Class Performance Programme (WCPP) for the 2017-2018 season following a successful appeal.
The Scottish hammer thrower, who made the British team for the Rio Olympics and this year’s London World Championships, was removed from the programme in the initial announcement, but is pleased that the decision has been reversed.
Thankful to have had my appeal accepted by @BritAthletics . Looking forward to moving forward and getting on with the season ahead!! https://t.co/rVonUDkPoZ
— Chris Bennett (@ChrisBennett89) December 8, 2017
There were also successful appeals for higher levels of funding from both Morgan Lake and Reece Prescod. Having finished sixth at the World Championships this year in her first year as a senior, Lake might have been considered by many as a potential medal contender for Tokyo in 2020, but was originally kept at the Potential Olympic level of funding. However, the appeals panel agreed that she should be moved up to podium funding, marking her as one of Britain’s big hopes for Tokyo and beyond.
Grateful to have moved up to Olympic podium funding! Thank you to @TNLUK and @BritAthletics üá¨üáß https://t.co/Wj7Tzgt92O
— Morgan Lake (@morgan_a_lake) December 8, 2017
Reece Prescod had a breakthrough year in 2017, becoming British Champion over 100m and then perhaps a surprise finalist at the World Championships. He brought his personal best down to 10.03s. He had been previously announced as a receiver of relay funding even though he was not part of Britain’s victorious 4x100m relay squad this summer. But his improved performances have seen the 21-year-old quickly shoot up to podium level funding.
Very pleased to have been moved to Olympic podium funding! Thank you to @TNLUK and @BritAthletics üá¨üáßü§ôüèøhttps://t.co/NjJK7GhusY
— Reece Prescod (@rprescod1) December 9, 2017
British Athletics did not announce any unsuccessful appeals, but it is possible that Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who said he was going to appeal being removed from relay funding, was unsuccessful.
