UK Athletics nominates 62 athletes for 2027 World Class Programme

UK Athletics has nominated 62 athletes for its Olympic World Class Programme (WCP) for 2027, supporting competitors working towards podium success at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and beyond.

Funded by UK Sport through National Lottery investment, the programme identifies, develops and supports athletes with the potential to succeed at the highest level of international competition.

The programme is divided into four levels: Olympic Podium, Olympic Podium Potential, Olympic Relay and Olympic Confirmation. For 2027, 10 new athletes have been nominated at the confirmation level.

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Athletes on the World Class Programme receive access to competition opportunities, training camps and multidisciplinary support from UK Athletics’ performance practitioners, sports science specialists and medical teams. This support is designed to help athletes maximize their potential on the international stage.

Eligible athletes may also receive an Athlete Performance Award to help cover the living and sporting costs associated with high-performance competition.

Nominations are based on an assessment of athletes’ demonstrated performance capabilities and their realistic potential to achieve podium success at the Los Angeles Olympics and in subsequent Olympic cycles.

The separate Relay Support Package provides targeted funding for relay athletes who have the potential to contribute to medal success in future Olympic cycles. The package does not include an Athlete Performance Award.

All nominations remain subject to ratification by UK Sport and the completion of a signed athlete agreement between each athlete and UK Athletics.

Performance director welcomes investment and emerging talent

Paula Dunn, UK Athletics’ performance director, thanked UK Sport and the National Lottery for their continued investment in the programme.

“I would like to thank UK Sport and the National Lottery for their continued investment in the World Class Programme. Their support is fundamental to our ability to provide athletes with competition opportunities and performance support they need to compete on the world stage.

“This group reflects the strength and depth of talent we currently have across British athletics, bringing together established international medallists alongside an exciting generation of emerging athletes who have demonstrated the potential to achieve success at future global championships.

“As we continue building towards the Olympic Games in Los Angeles and beyond, this programme will play a vital role in helping athletes maximize their performance and realize their ambitions. Selection to the World Class Program recognizes both current achievement and future potential.

“I would also like to thank the coaches, practitioners, families and wider support networks whose commitment and expertise are so important to the development of the athletes.

“For those not included in this year’s programme, we recognize the hard work and commitment that has gone into reaching this level. Athlete development looks different for everyone.”

2027 World Class Programme nominees

The following tables list the athletes by programme category. Club and coach information is included where provided in the original announcement.

Olympic Podium

Olympic Podium Potential

Olympic Relay

Olympic Relay Confirmation

Olympic Confirmation

Relay Support Package

An asterisk appeared beside these athletes in the original UK Athletics announcement.