Uk record holder over 10000m, European XC Champion, 4th place in 2 Olympics, I could go on but i'll let UKa take over. Here is the reply to the comments of Jon brown regarding him losing  any feeling of allegiance to UK Athletics.....

a UK Athletics spokesman said: "[We are] committed to developing talent, supporting athletes and creating champions primarily based in the UK. It is not about rewarding mediocrity. Dave Collins and his specialist endurance team are doing an excellent job, proved by exceptional team and individual performances at the European Cross Country Championships and the ongoing success of athletes like Paula Radcliffe, Jo Pavey and Mo Farah."

Umm, not exactly a wise or curteous reply  to an athlete of such exceptional talent and who can pull it out the bag on the big day. Still the holder of the UK 10000 metre record which last year places him 1 minute 14 secs ahead of the next UK runner one would think a little more respect would be granted by UKa.  Taking Mo aside as he will cut this time down alot this is the time difference to the next UK athlete (and one of these is rarely based in the UK!) over 10'000m from Brown's 27.13 UK Record.

2003 - 29secs ahead.

2004 - 1.27 ahead,

2005 - 1.22 ahead.

2006 - 1.18 ahead,

2007 - 1.14 ahead..

Read into this what you will. Over the last few years Uka have rationalised funding to such an extreme that very little support is given to those who are on the edge of World performance or just fallen off it for whatever reason. Look a little deeper into the past of Jon Brown and you will find his time as an under 20 over 10000 metres is close to 40 seconds quicker than any  UNDER 23 last year and  would place him 5th in the UK last year in the Senior age group as a sweet faced 19 year old. Brown was also the fastest UK runner over 10 mile in 2006, No. 1 over Half marathon in 04' and 06' and 2nd in 05' and 07'. 2004/05/06 he has has been UK No. 1 over the full marthon distance... however, as Uka have stated. Its not about "awarding mediocrity"....anyone for one of my  famous chocolate brownies or are they not good enough either....

www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/athletics/london-marathon-the-real-reasons-why-i-turned-my-back-on-britain-808397.html