Two-time Team GB Olympian Callum Wilkinson left to consider future after being cut from UK Athletics Olympic World Class Programme
Callum Wilkinson is facing an uncertain future in race walking after he was cut from the UK Athletics Olympic World Class Programme (WCP).
The Olympic WCP is UK Sport’s National Lottery-funded initiative to identify, develop and support British athletes towards medal success at the Olympic Games and other global major championships.
However, despite finishing 10th at the Olympics in Tokyo three years ago and battling back from a serious injury to come 16th at the recent Games in Paris, Moulton-raised Wilkinson was omitted from the list of 65 athletes for the 2024/25 season.
And in a statement posted on social media, the 27-year-old has conceded that he will now need to assess his options going forward.
The ex-Moulton CEVC Primary School and King Edward VI School pupil said: “Devastated. Losing the funding of the WCP is a huge setback and it’s hard to put into words how much this impacts my journey as an athlete, as with the loss of the support of the programme I have lost my only financial income.
“This sport means everything to me and I’ve poured my heart and soul into it, so to have this support taken away is incredibly tough.
“When I was first put on to the funding, I was working full time hours in McDonalds, still studying at university and trying to find a way to prioritise walking.
“And the thing that meant the most to me was the feeling that someone else could see that I might be able to achieve something, become someone.
“During my time on the funding I managed to turn £9,000 a year into an Olympic 10th place, and with £16,000 twice, return from potentially career-ending injuries to world class performances. This year alone I feel like I achieved miracle after miracle to even make the Olympic Games, let alone a 16th position.
“I am not sure what this means for me going forward as recent events will make me consider my position in the sport and my priorities in life.
“A lot is said about the funding model in the UK but one thing I know for sure is that it would be nothing without the people on the ground working with the athletes each and every day, going above and beyond their job descriptions to help us navigate our lives and athletics careers.”