Thomson in fresh appeal for CG dream
Larkhall’s Alexander Thomson says funding would be a game-changer for him as he prepares to head out to Dubai.
He will compete in Dubai’s Grand Prix as he prepares for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Most of Thomson’s work is independently funded, and he believes some financially assistance may help him greatly.
When his dad did the funding application in November for the World Class Programme of British Athletics, he needed to be in the top eight in the world rankings, but was ninth in the world 400m rankings.
The decision was appealed, but it wasn’t upheld, meaning any funding he gets must be sourced by himself.
Alexander told the Advertiser: “Funding would change a lot – I’d be able to travel around Britain and the world to compete and train. A lot of athletes do training camps in Dubai or South Africa during the winter for six or eight weeks.
“I can’t afford to do that without funding.
“When I competed in Poland for the European Championships last year, that was funded by British Athletics as I’d been selected to compete.
“If I choose to go to compete in a Grand Prix then I have to fund it myself.
“If I was funded as part of the World Class Programme, then it would open a lot of doors.
“I’m going out to Dubai for the Dubai 2022 World Para Athletics Grand Prix, where I’ll be competing in the 100m and 400m.
“You have got to be in the top seven in the world to get into the Commonwealth Games.
“I’m ranked sixth just now – so I hope Dubai will give me a chance to run fast times in warm weather just to secure my place.
“Scottish Athletics are covering more than half of the cost for me, but we’ve got to cover the rest – and for the travel and accommodation for my dad to go with me.”