GYMNAST Craig Heap's Olympic preparations have been dealt a cruel blow -- by his own country's officials.
The Burnley competitor, who has battled back from a broken hand to be able to launch his artistic gymnastics campaign tonight, learned by a fax last night that his Lottery grant money was being cut.
Simon Clegg, chief executive of the British Olympic Association, said: "It is unbelievable that an English sports authority could have officers who are so insensitive.
"Such news could have wrecked Craig's Games. Luckily he has remained focused on doing his best."
Heap has recently secured sponsorship from Smith and Nephew to enable him to remain in competition after the Olympics -- following an appeal in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.
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