Funding cut stuns Danny Crates

DANNY Crates has expressed his shock at having his lottery funding cut by UK Athletics.

The 35-year-old Thurrock Harrier was forced to miss the Paralympics in Beijing after picking up a calf injury on the eve of the games.

And the sport’s hierachy have now deemed him not worthy of being financially backed.

“I’m just totally shocked,” said Crates.

“I knew my funding might take a knock after what happened in Beijing but to suddenly not get funding at all is pretty harsh.

“Only two months ago I was given the biggest honour possible in the sport when I carried the flag at Paralympics opening ceremony.

“But now they are trying to push me out the back-door.”

Prior to Beijing, Crates held every title possible in the sport.

The former Gable Hall School pupil was the reigning World Champion indoors and out and also won the European Championship, the World Cup and the Paralympics.

On top of that he was also the world record holder.

And Crates has therefore opted to appeal against UK Athletics’ decision.

“We will see what happens but I’ve submitted a formal letter which is the first stage of the appeal,” he said.

“If I don’t get the funding then I just lose everything. I don’t get any medical support or support services and I wouldn’t be able to go warm weather training either.

“It’s a tough time because a lot of my private sponsorship deals expired after Beijing too so I’ve lost some of them too.”

Crates also lost his world record in China, to Polish athlete Marcin Awizen But he is determined to get that back and will carry on for at least another season, even without any funding.

“The world record doesn’t belong in Poland in belongs in the United Kingdom,” declared Crates.

“I was in the best shape of my career back in March before the injuries and it’s still in me to get it back.

“That’s the aim for next season and, at the end of it, I will have to reassess my future if I’m still not getting the funding.”

UK Athletics are believed to have made the decision due to Crates’ age and fitness and it could ultimately lead to him retiring.

“That’s what hurts the most,” he said.

“I always dreamed that I would make the decision when I was ready and it would all be great.

“I never ever envisaged it would be forced upon me by a group sitting round a table in a room.”