Sky Sports has launched a new scholarship scheme which is to support 12 athletes from Britain and Ireland over the next three years, including track and field athlete Holly Bleasdale, middle distance runner Jessica Judd, gymnast Sam Oldham and boxer Jason Quigley.

The scheme offers financial support, media training and mentoring to each athlete and Tony Lester, head of Sky Sports Scholarships said 'We will help deliver the right combination of performance and personal development support to ensure each athlete can help realise their potential in competition and beyond'.