MORPETH'S Nick McCormick has a point to prove after having his Lottery funding axed - but he will be forced to do it the hard way.

The 26-year-old middle-distance runner was one of six athletes who lost their World Class Podium top-tier funding in November after suffering a nightmare 12 months on the track in 2007.

McCormick shot to prominence two years ago, competing at both the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and the European Championships in Gothenburg.

However, the Morpeth Harrier endured a miserable 2007, failing to qualify for the World Championships in Osaka before losing his funding and splitting with long-term coach Lindsey Dunn.

Only British No.1 1500m star Andy Baddeley was included in the 43 athletes handed WCP funding for 2008 but McCormick is relishing his role as the underdog as the Beijing Olympics loom ever closer.

"Andy is funded and good luck to him but I don't understand why Mike Rimmer and I aren't - we've all had ups and downs but we all deserve it," said Mc- Cormick, who is currently in Potchefstroom, South Africa, as part of a UKA training camp for the Norwich Union GB & NI team.

"The indoor season is a big target for me. I'd love to get to the world indoors in Valencia and ideally I'd like to come to South Africa again, but with no funding its hard finding the money.

"2007 was a terrible year and when New Year's Eve came around I couldn't wait for 2008 to start.

"It hurt getting dropped at the time and I still hold a few grudges but I understand why now - it perhaps gave me the kick up the backside I needed.

"I went backwards last year and it has been a tough struggle for me - 2007 was rubbish and I knew I had to do something about it."

The former University of Northumberland student has been advised by UK Athletics to move to London to increase his chances of being selected for the Norwich Union GB & NI team.

And McCormick has vowed to do all he can to win a surprise selection for Beijing.

"I was funded for two to three years and then in Olympic year they drop me and it's a shame when they can only fund one 1500m runner," added Mc- Cormick.

"I changed coaches and my general set-up at home to try to get even more out of myself on endurance and speed and to wind things up ready for a shot at Beijing.

"I got on really well with my former coach Lindsey (Dunn) and it was a wrench to part company but you've got to be selfish in this sport and as an athlete you only get ten years to be successful.

"Some of the coaches have 30- 40 years experience in London and I've got to get the most out of myself from now until the 2012 Olympics, then that will probably be it."

* Norwich Union is the team behind UK Athletics and is proud to support the Norwich Union GB & NI Team. To play your part for athletics in your area visit www.joinourteam.com