Australia’s Craig Mottram Loses Sponsor

The 32-year-old is no longer considered an Olympic medal contender.

The Courier Web site is reporting that Australia’s long-distance running ace, Craig Mottram, will no longer be receiving financial support from the Victorian Institute of Sport.

The Institute indicated that the reason behind its decision was to provide support to athletes who had a greater potential of winning a medal at the 2016 Games in Rio.

Motrram is 32 years old. He won bronze in the 5000m at the World Championships in 2005.

‘At the end of an Olympic cycle we place heavy importance on performance at championship event,” said Track and Field  Manager Derek Boothroyd. ”What we are now supporting is a group of athletes we think will be able to deliver in Rio and beyond.”

Mottram failed to qualify for the 2012 Olympics in the 5000m, but has not ruled out trying to make the 2016 squad for his native Australia. He ran in the 2008 Olympics, but did not make it to the final there. After those Games, he split with long-time coach Nic Bideau.

For More: The Courirer