Editor’s note: Stuart Weir wrote this piece on how the Novuna UK Athletics World Class Athlete Program works. I like it and wonder if such a program could work in the U.S. I especially like their Relay program.
2026/27 Olympic World Class Program
A total of 62 athletes have been nominated for membership of the UK Athletics Olympic World Class Program (WCP) for 2027. The Olympic WCP is UK Sport’s National Lottery-funded initiative to identify, develop, and support talented athletes on the pathway to podium success at the 2028 LA Olympic Games and beyond.
The Program is structured across several levels: Podium, Podium Potential, Relay, and Confirmation. It reflects both current performance standards and future medal potential; for the 2027 program, 10 new athletes are on the Confirmation level.
Athletes in the World Class Program receive competition opportunities, training camps, and multidisciplinary support from UKAthletics’ performance practitioners, sports science, and medical teams, helping them maximize their potential on the international stage.
Athletes receive up to $38,000, annually, but this is means-tested and may be reduced if athletes have additional income above a certain threshold.
Available support services include medical and therapy services, nutrition, strength and conditioning, biomechanics, physiology, performance analysis, performance psychology, education and career development guidance, financial advice, wellbeing support and specific lifestyle coaching and mentoring. The UK Sport Athlete Medical Scheme is a medical insurance provision that ensures access to physical and mental health medical specialists, investigations and treatment. Referrals are made via UK Athletics WCP medical staff.
The 62 athletes include 11 who are funded for the first time. From the 2025 list, Cindy Sember has retired, and nine others have been removed from the funded athletes list.
The 11 added to the 2026-27 list are
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Sam Bennett a 110m hurdler who set a PR of 13.26 and medaled at the Commonwealth Games in 2026 |
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Joel Clarke-Khan, a high-jumper who equaled his PR of 2.27 this year and was fifth at the European Championships 2026 |
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Abbie Donnelly, third in the European Champs marathon 2026 |
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Charlotte Henrich, just 20, but an important member of the GB 4×400 relay squads, with a 2026 PR of 50.45 |
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Owen Heard, who set a Pole Vault of 5.71 and won a Commonwealth Games bronze medal |
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Kimani Jack, a high-jumper who set a new PR of 2.32 in 2026 |
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Arlo Ludewick, GB champion, set a PR at 1500m |
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Stephen Mackenzie, long-jumper who set a NR of 8.15 this year |
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Jake Minshall, a 400 m hurdler who set a new PR of 48.53 in 2026 |
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Marcia Sey, who set a new PR of 12.65 in the 100m hurdles in 2026 |
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Ben Jefferies, winner of four 4×400 relay medals in 2026 |
Athletes included in 2025 but not this year were:
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Aimee Pratt |
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Anna Purchase |
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Marc Scott |
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Hannah Kelly |
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Bianca Williams |
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Alastair Chalmers |
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Jess Warner-Judd |
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Revee Walcott-Nolan |
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Jacob Fincham-Dukes |
