Hurdler Andy delighted to get funding back (From Sutton Guardian)

Hurdler Andy delighted to get funding back

10:09am Friday 6th November 2009

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All is right in Andy Turner’s world after UK Athletics decided to resume funding the Sutton-based sprint hurdler.

The news comes two weeks after the 29-year-old secured a share of £1million through Croydon-based Global Sponsorship Group.

Turner, the only athlete to win individual medals at the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships in 2006, is enjoying his return to athletics’ inner circle after burying the hatchet with UKA chief Charles van Commenee. He looked to have burnt his bridges after reacting furiously to his lottery funding being withdrawn in January.

But he responded in fine style on the track, finishing this season as British and European number one over 110m after clocking 13.30 seconds in June.

After holding clear-the-air talks with Van Commenee ahead of the World Championships in Berlin, Turner will now see his bank balance boosted in the new year.

“It is no secret that Charles and I had our differences when he first came in,” said Turner.

“I was having my funding cut and I was very angry about it, but I have a lot of respect for him now.

“We didn’t speak much until I went to the warm-weather training camp in Portugal and we sat down and had a frank discussion.

“I am delighted to be back in the world-class performance programme.

“The past year was difficult for me, but it was the wake-up call I needed.

“I definitely over-competed last year.

“That experience and the impact it had injury-wise made me realise just what a blessing lottery funding is by allowing us to peak for the big events and perform where it counts.”

Belgrave Harriers’ Will Sharman has been added to the podium list after matching Turner as Britain’s top sprint hurdler in finishing fourth in the 110m hurdles final at the IAAF World Championships in Berlin in a lifetime best of 13.30.

Sharman, 24, said: “It means I can train as a full-time athlete.

“I already achieved a world class performance in Berlin without any funding, so there is no extra pressure.”

Sharman followed up his Berlin performance by finishing just one hundredth of a second behind Berlin bronze medallist David Payne at the British Grand Prix in Gateshead, and finishing fourth at Memorial Van Damme in Brussels.

“I got the funding because I proved I was already worthy of it, and capable of doing those performances,” added Sharman.

“It is just nice that the sport has recognised that I am a talent that can do that.”

Teddington-based Jo Pavey has been taken off the podium level list.

The 36-year-old has not competed since running a 10km road race in Windsor in April.

She became a mother for the first time in September when she gave birth to son Jacob.

OTHER ATHLETES TO GET FUNDING

Podium level

Phillips Idowu, Belgrave Harriers: Won triple jump gold in Berlin.

Goldie Sayers, Belgrave Harriers: Britain’s leading woman javelin failed to make the World Championships.

Mo Farah, Twickenham: The inaugural European Team Championship 5,000m winner was also victorious in last week’s Great South Run.

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Sutton & District: Reigning European U23 100m champion and part of the GB bronze medal-winning relay team at the World Championships

Andy Baddeley, Teddington: Hampered by injury in the run-up to a poor World Championships

Martyn Rooney, former John Fisher schoolboy: Anchored Team GB to silver in the 4x400m relay in Berlin

David Weir, Wallington: Won five medals at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing

Jade Johnson, Herne Hill Harriers: International long jumper.

Development level

Steph Twell, St Mary’s, Twickenham: Won the UK Inter-Counties cross country senior women’s champion improved on 1,500m and 5,000m times this year.

* Lloyds TSB, proud partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and supporter of Team GB on their journey to London 2012. LloydsTSB.com/London2012

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