Five Scots land support from UK Athletics via the Para World Class Programme

Tuesday 18th November 2025

Melanie Woods and Finlay Menzies were medallists at World Para Champs and now named on Para WCP (photos by Pamela Robson)

UK Athletics website announcement

Five Scottish athletes are among a cohort of 41 who have been offered membership to the Paralympic World Class Programme (WCP) for 2025/26.

The Paralympic WCP, funded by UK Sport’s National Lottery-funded initiative, supports the preparation and success of athletes aiming for the Paralympic Games and other major international championships.

And it is great to see this support for Sammi Kinghorn, Ben Sandilands, Melanie Woods, Steven Bryce and Finlay Menzies.

Congratulations to these athletes and their families and coaches as well as the clubs supporting their development over many years.

The programme operates across three tiers — Podium, Podium Potential, and Confirmation — which reflect both current performance levels and long-term medal prospects. Athletes are nominated when they demonstrate a realistic ability to reach the podium at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games or, for some, at the 2032 Games.

Those selected receive further support and competition opportunities, along with specialist input from UK Athletics’ performance, sports science, and medical teams. Athletes also receive an Athlete Performance Award, helping support their sporting and training needs.

Paralympic World Class Programme Athletes 2026:

Paralympic Podium

Sammi Kinghorn (Rodger Harkins, Red Star)

Ben Sandilands (Steve Doig, Fife)

Melanie Woods (Rodger Harkins, Red Star)

Paralympic Confirmation

Steven Bryce (Allan Bryce/Steve Doig, Fife AC)

Finlay Menzies (Graeme Reid, Corstorphine AAC)