Three-time Olympian Goldie Sayers admits she is hell-bent on making 2014 a success after winning an appeal into her omission from British Athletics’ World Class Performance Programme.
British Athletics announced 22 athletes that would receive Olympic Podium funding on October 14 however javelin thrower Sayers, who has suffered a long-term elbow injury, was not one of them.
Sayers has not competed once this year but is a three-time Olympian, attending Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012 with her elbow injury costing her at the latter.
The 31-year-old will now receive Olympic Podium funding after a successful appeal and she wants success at next year’s Commonwealth Games and European Championships to prove her worth.
“I’m delighted my appeal was successful,” said Sayers. “I was naturally disappointed not to be included first time around but nonetheless I’m even more determined to make 2014 and beyond a success.
“I’m now back on the right path after surgery and back in full training after a successful period of rehab. I am now preparing for the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships next year.”
And performance director Neil Black insists British Athletics will support Sayers every step of the way and she looks to put an injury-plagued 2013 behind her next year.
“Goldie presented a very strong case for her inclusion on the World Class Performance Programme,” he said.
“The panel reviewed their original decision after being presented with Goldie’s appeal submission and a decision was made to include her on the WCPP for 2013-14.
“Goldie is an excellent competitor and has applied herself brilliantly to her post-operative recovery from injury. British Athletics will provide her with the best treatment and support so she can get back throwing the world class distances we know she is capable of.”
© Sportsbeat 2013