Lewis thrives despite funding cut

Lewis was praised for his display at the European Indoor Championships

Staffordshire pole vaulter Steven Lewis says he has coped with a cut in his UK Athletics and National Lottery funding.

Lewis, who finished fourth at the European Indoor Championships in Turin this weekend, has been demoted to the the second tier of funding this season.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "I was a little disappointed at first with the decision, but I just get on with it.

"I'm able to train the way I want to and it's not held me back - I've jumped a personal best indoors this season."

Lewis added: "The extra funding just makes things more comfortable. You don't have to worry about competing so often and trying to make money to live.

"I'm in the situation I'm in because of my performance at the Beijing Olympics and I can't argue with that."

The 22-year-old, who is originally from Light Oaks but now trains in Loughborough, was praised for his performance in Turin by the head coach of UK Athletics, Charles van Commenee.

Van Commenee said Lewis was one of the few athletes to make the most of the opportunity given to them at the championships.