Macey is among those who have signed the contract

Some have expressed misgivings about the new deal, claiming it gives too much control over their careers to the governing body in return for funding.

But decathlete Dean Macey has urged his fellow competitors to sign up.

"This way, as athletes we know what is expected of us, UK Athletics know what is expected of them and we can move forward in a partnership," he said.

UK Athletics claims over half the athletes to be offered contracts have signed and returned them in just over a week.

The rest have until 28 July to do the same or notify UK Athletics of any reason for delay.

European junior 5000m champion Emily Pidgeon, 17, is among those who have said they will not sign the contract, according to the Daily Telegraph.