2026-27 Paralympic Futures programme athletes announced

October 29, 2026

Media release

British Athletics – October 29, 2026 – The Programme, supported by Nike and delivered in partnership with the Home Country Athletics Federations, focuses on supporting athletes and coaches who have shown potential to succeed at future Paralympic Games.

Through a series of camps and experiences, and with the support of dedicated staff, the Programme provides opportunities for athletes to develop the skills and abilities required for international senior success and forms part of the pathway towards the World Class Programme (WCP).

Athletes benefit from individualised planning and coaching support, access to training camps and world-class performance services, including strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, nutrition, and performance lifestyle, alongside technical feedback, educational workshops, international competition, and classification opportunities.

10 new athletes will join this year’s cohort, with current programme athletes securing personal bests over the summer period. Freddie Wallace set a personal best of 11.80 in the T12 100m this year, and his partnership with his guide, Harvey King, continues to grow.

Rachel Leck had a double delight this season, setting a new personal best of 10.37 in the F38 shot in Jersey, then a PB of 33.52 in the discus in Coventry. Ella Richards, whose preferred event is the T20 1500m, stormed to a new personal best over the 800m.

Joshua Hartley set a personal best in the T53 100m as well as 800m at the iconic Notwill track in Switzerland. Liverpudlian Amy Thompson threw a new personal best in the shot put in August.

Bree Cronin, a recent graduate from the last cohort, had a successful summer representing Team Wales at the Commonwealth Games, winning a bronze medal in the F44 discus.

All selections are pending the outcome of the Paralympic World Class Programme selection process, which will take place soon.

Coral Davis, Paralympic Pathway Manager, said: “We are delighted to welcome new athletes to the Futures programme as well as last year’s athletes.

“The tailored services we provide to athletes and their coaches have proven to be invaluable to the unique development of future potential Paralympians.

“We continue to be encouraged by the engagement of those on the programme, and that many have graduated to the World Class Programme in recent years.

“We look forward to working with the new additions to this cohort as well as continuing to support those who are developing in the pathway.”