UK Athletics (UKA) has announced a 20 per cent cut in the number of athletes who will receive Lottery funding next year as part of its new performance criteria.

The criteria has been designed by the sport's national governing body in order to ensure that it provides increased levels of investment to a smaller group of athletes capable of medal success at the 2012 London Olympics. Further reductions are expected in the lead up to the 2012 Games, with athletes set to receive support based on individual performances at the 2009 IAAF World Championships, as well as talent and commitment to the World Class Performance Programme.

A new development category has also been established to fund a reduced number of athletes already viewed as potential medallists at the 2012 Games. Head coach, Charles van Commenee, said: "We have taken a measured and impartial look at our athletes. For 2009 we are focusing podium level investment on those we believe will be successful in next summer's World Championships.

"Thereafter the focus will be squarely on investing in the support of athletes I believe have what it takes to deliver the goods at London 2012. There can be no room for sentiment in elite athlete funding." Six athletes will receive the top level of funding of £25,383 a year, while 13 athletes will receive B level support and 14 athletes C level support. A further 10 will be nominated to receive a basic level support as part of the relay support programme.

The announcement comes just two months after UKA parted company with performance director Dave Collins, after the athletics team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics fell short of its medal target.