ATHLETES of tomorrow have been making waves both in the UK and abroad over the past few months, bringing lots of medals back to the county in the process.

They are all supported by the Funding Future Olympians and Paralympians Foundation, with the aim of helping local talented athletes reach their potential.

Jessica Daykin, from near Devizes, won silver on the beam at the British Gymnastics Championships in March and has now been selected for the GB gymnastics team.

Dan Bethell, from Chippenham, is completely focused on 2020 Paralympics, having won gold at the Tokyo para-badminton qualifying event in Canada earlier this year. He is now ranked number two in the world. He said: “This funding has been important to me over the years as I worked hard towards the goal of competing at the Paralympics. The support has allowed me to focus on the all-important training as well as travel to international competitions.”

Later in August, Matthew Cave from Calne will aim to repeat his 2017 success when he runs at the World Transplant Games, and Dan Bethell is competing in the para badminton world championships, while in October Chippenham cyclist Lauren Booth will ride in the INAS World Games in Australia. Malmesbury rhythmic gymnast Eirlys Jones became British Champion in her age group, and Rory Howorth won bronze in the long jump at the English Schools Championships.

The Funding Future Olympians and Paralympians Foundation was set up by Wiltshire Council and Allison Bucknell, cabinet member for leisure, said: “The progress our athletes have already made this year illustrates the importance of the Funding Future Olympians and Paralympians Foundation grant fund.The support of Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire businesses has helped our young people achieve their sporting goals, and we look forward to more success as they work towards achieving the top honours in their sports.”