Support act: Eight Scottish athletes to receive World Class Programme backing from UK Athletics

Saturday 24th October 2026

Neil Gourley and Jake Wightman are on WCP support

Eight Scottish athletes have been nominated by UK Athletics for membership of the Olympic World Class Programme (WCP) for 2027.

The Olympic WCP is UK Sport’s National Lottery funded initiative to identify, develop and support talented athletes on the pathway to podium success at the 2028 LA Olympic Games and beyond.

Scottish representation this year numbers eight athletes among the total of 62 supported across the various WCP tiers.

The Programme is structured across several levels: Podium, Podium Potential, Relay and Confirmation.

It reflects both current performance standards and future medal potential; there are 10 new athletes for 2027 on the confirmation level.

Athletes on the WCP receive competition opportunities, training camps and multi-disciplinary support from UK Athletics performance practitioners, sports science and medical teams, helping them maximise their potential on the international stage

Megan Keith will receive support again

Scots on the UKA World Class Programme:

Olympic Podium

Josh Kerr (Edinburgh, Danny Mackey); Laura Muir (Dundee Hawkhill, Laura Weightman); Jemma Reekie (Kilbarchan, Jon Bigg); Jake Wightman (Edinburgh, John Hartigan

Olympic Podium Potential

Neil Gourley (Giffnock North, Stephen Haas); Megan Keith (Inverness, Ross Cairns

Olympic Relay

Nicole Yeargin (Pitreavie, Gregory Sholars)

Olympic Confirmation

Stephen Mackenzie (Edinburgh AC)

Stephen Mackenzie is new to the WCP programme

As in previous years, all nominations for the WCP remain subject to ratification by UK Sport and the completion of a signed athlete agreement between the athlete and UK Athletics.

Paula Dunn, Performance Director at UK Athletics, said:

‘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 maximise their performance and realise their ambitions. Selection to the World Class Programme recognises 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 recognise the hard work and commitment that has gone into reaching this level. Athlete development looks different for everyone.’