Corby-based hurdler William Sharman is set to receive support from UK Athletics' Lottery funding programme.
Sharman finished fourth in the 110m hurdles at the World Championships in Berlin and has been awarded top-level podium funding.
Sharman told BBC Radio Northampton: "It's very encouraging, as it means I can train as a full-time athlete.
"I already achieved a world class performance in Berlin without any funding, so there's no extra pressure."
Since his remarkable achievement at the World Championships, Sharman finished a one hundredth of a second behind Berlin bronze medallist David Payne at the British Grand Prix, and fourth at Memorial Van Damme.
"I got the funding because I proved I was already worthy of it, and capable of doing those performances. It's just nice that the sport has recognised that I am a talent that can do that," added Sharman.
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