The new mantra in UK athletics circles is less is more as Charles van Commenee, the head coach, declared that there was “no room for sentiment” in competitors' funding. A revised performance criteria for Lottery grants means that the number receiving individual assistance next year will fall by a fifth with a focus on the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.

The number is expected to fall further after that to ensure that Lottery money is aimed at a smaller group capable of medal success at the Olympic Games in London in 2012. A more ruthless approach follows the underperformance in Beijing, where Great Britain won four medals against a target of five.

The shake-up is resonant of that in cycling a decade ago, when the sport's hierarchy culled the number of competitors funded at the top to those who would deliver medals. Britain won eight cycling gold medals in Beijing. Compared with cycling and sailing, the money invested in athletics represented poor value for money.

The results prompted the departure of Dave Collins, the UK Athletics performance director, and the appointment of Van Commenee. The Dutchman said yesterday: “There can be no room for sentiment in elite athlete funding. I will use the system to ensure athletes are motivated to perform when it matters the most.”

Of the 33 Podium level athletes, six will be funded at A category (a maximum of £25,383 per annum), 13 are B (£19,000) and 14 are C (£12,600).

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