PARALYMPIC medallist Maria Lyle has been named in the latest Paralympic World Class Programme (WCP).

British Athletics announced a 41-strong group to receive support for the coming year as athletes prepare for both the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe and the Paralympics, in Paris, next summer.

The Paralympic WCP is UK Sport’s National Lottery funded initiative supporting the delivery of success at the Paralympic Games and other major championships.

Paralympic WCP is split into different levels reflecting the actual and potential performance development levels of athletes: podium, podium potential, and confirmation.

Athletes are nominated for the WCP to further the aim of UK Athletics to win medals at the 2024 and/or 2028 Paralympic Games.

East Lothian Courier: Paralympic Games medal winner Maria Lyle alongside the board featuring an image of her and an inspirational quote at Dunbar Grammar SchoolParalympic Games medal winner Maria Lyle alongside the board featuring an image of her and an inspirational quote at Dunbar Grammar School

Lyle, of Dunbar, took to social media to outline her delight at the WCP announcement, where she was named as podium level.

She said: “Very grateful to be a part of the WCP programme again!

“I depend greatly on the support of British Athletics and I’m excited to have them back me in my preparations for the 2024 season.”

Already, the former Dunbar Grammar School pupil has competed in the Rio and Tokyo Paralympics, returning home from both events with medals.

Earlier this summer, she competed at the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris, where she took bronze in both the T35 100m and 200m events.

Twenty-three-year-old Lyle, who has spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, has also previously won medals at the Commonwealth Games, European Championships and World Championships.

Tom Paulson, head of paralympic performance at UK Athletics, said: “With the Paris Paralympic Games less than a year away, this is an important period for the athletes and coaches on the programme, and we look forward to working with them and seeing where the World Class Programme can support them appropriately, and where it can add value to enhance their potential as we look ahead to a Kobe, Paris and beyond to LA 2028.”