Andy Turner plans lottery fund appeal

Nottinghamshire sprint hurdler Andy Turner says he is to appeal against a decision to stop his lottery funding.

Turner was one of a number of Great Britain athletes told their funding was being withdrawn or cut last week.

The 28-year-old told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I know I've got what it takes, so I'm a little bit gutted that they have decided that I haven't.

"I've written a very strong letter and hopefully I'm going to hear back in the next couple of days."

The Hucknall athlete added: "I've had a lot of injuries this year and the panel decided that they don't think I have what it takes anymore.

"In order to get lottery funding they say you need to be capable of making a final now or within the next two years and my times over the last two years prove that I've got what it takes to make a final."

Turner said he would either have to look for an outside sponsor or part-time work if the appeal was unsuccessful.

He added: "It's going to be tough but I have to do it as I've still got dreams of winning a medal in the Olympics."

UK Athletics said the selection process was very thorough and Turner did not meet the criteria. They would not comment further on individual cases.