TWO of West Fife's Olympic and Paralympic stars have been handed a funding boost after being selected for British Athletics support.

Nicole Yeargin and Owen Miller have both been named in a World Class Programme (WCP) by the governing body, which is funded by the National Lottery, that will see them receive backing in a bid to achieve success at future Olympics, Paralympics, World and European Championship competitions.

Pitreavie AAC's Nicole, 24, joins the initiative for the first time in the 'Olympic Relays' tier of the programme, whilst Owen, who won the T20 1500 metres title in this year's Tokyo Games, is named in the 'Paralympic Podium' tier of funding in the Paralympics WCP.

Earlier this year, United States based Nicole, who only took up athletics five years ago, was cleared to run for Scotland and Great Britain as her mum, Lynn, is originally from Dunfermline.

Ahead of June's Müller British Athletics Championships, she joined Pitreavie and finished second in the 400m to seal her place in Tokyo.

At the Games, Nicole competed in three events - the 400m, and the women's and mixed 4x400m relays - which saw her endure mixed fortunes.

She helped Team GB to fifth and sixth respectively in the relay events but, in her individual competition, a disqualification in her heat, after catching the lane line with her foot, denied her a place in the semi-finals.

Speaking to Press Sport afterwards, Nicole described it as a "learning lesson", and has her sights set on competing at the Commonwealth Games, the World Athletics Championships and the European Athletics Championships, all of which will be held in 2022.

Nicole is one of 22 athletes joining the 67-strong WCP for 2021/22, which is split into four levels - 'Olympic Podium', 'Olympic Podium Potential', 'Olympic Relays' and 'Olympic Confirmation Level' - that reflect the current and potential performance levels of athletes.

Meanwhile Owen, who we reported last week was named Para Athlete of the Year at the 4J Studios Scottish Athletics Awards, is one of 42 athletes to be offered membership to join British Athletics' Paralympic WCP.

The 29-year-old is part of a 24-strong group of athletes on the 'Paralympic Podium' tier of funding, having last year received funding in the 'Paralympic Podium Potential' level.

Following his success in Tokyo, the Fife AC star is aiming to enjoy more success in Japan at next year's World Para Athletics Championships, which will be held in Kobe from August 26 to September 4.

British Athletics performance director, Sara Symington, said: "As we start the Paris cycle, and longer-term Los Angeles 2028, we made a number of informed decisions in regard to the World Class Programme membership that aligns with our strategic priorities.

"We will work closely with the 67 athlete and coach pairings that we are offering membership to and will look to add support and value in their journey via their individual athlete plan (IAP)."

Paula Dunn, Para Athletics head coach, added: "Following a successful Tokyo Paralympic Games, the Programme is in a strong position, and we have a number of athletes tracking in a strong direction to Paris and Los Angeles.

"I wish all the athlete and coach pairings the best in their development through the next cycle."