Athletes set to cash in on lottery

Olympic hopefuls could be paid tax-free salaries from lottery funds of up to pounds 28,000 a year in a move that may help avoid a repeat of the embarrassingly poor show by British athletes in Atlanta.

The idea is part of a plan that the Sports Council is reported to be considering for a pounds 50m grant from the National Lottery.

Athletes would be means-tested to ensure the money went to those in most need of financial support. Their annual payments would be awarded on a sliding scale related directly to achievement and potential and based on international and national rankings. Nominations would be made by the governing bodies of each sport. Clare Garner