The talented 16-year-old from Tiptree, who is coached by Stephen Garnham, has been picked in the 200m/relay category for the programme, which identifies and supports athletes and coaches who have shown the potential to achieve success on the world stage and at future Olympic Games.

Hearn-Smith joins fellow Harriers athlete and 1,500m runner Lyla Belshaw, who retains her place on the Futures Programme.

The Colchester Sixth Form College student won gold in the 200m at the European Athletics U18 Championships in Italy this summer, setting a new championship record in the final.

Hearn-Smith signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency, last month.

Supported by Nike and delivered in partnership with the Home Country Athletics Federations and tailored guidance and experiences, the programme aims to build on existing support to help athletes develop towards senior international success and progression onto the World Class Programme (WCP).

The Futures Sprint Relay programme, supported by Nike, is split into U20 and U23 age groups to develop the next generation of British sprint talent.

Ready for the future 👏 Athletes for the 2026/27 Olympic and Paralympic Futures Programmes are locked in ✅ Olympic and Relays: https://t.co/LTlFAKrMrM Paralympic: https://t.co/C1RdoCJmvr https://t.co/6dxtRVzYDU

— British Athletics (@BritAthletics) October 29, 2026

Through camps, competitions and performance experiences, athletes and coaches receive support from British Athletics relay and senior coaches, alongside the performance team to develop the skills needed to excel in relay teams and transition successfully into senior athletics.

Dan Wagner, Head of Performance Pathways at British Athletics, said: “This year’s cohort reflects the strength of emerging talent across British athletics, and we’re delighted to welcome new athletes and their coaches onto the Olympic Futures Programme.

“Their performances over the past season have demonstrated significant potential for future international success.

“It’s also been encouraging to see current and former Futures athletes continue to progress on the world stage. Our goal is to collaborate and understand athletes and coaches and provide relevant support, experiences and opportunities that adds value at this key stage of their development as they continue their journey towards senior success.”

A second round of Futures Relay Programme selections will take place following the indoor season looking towards European Athletics U20 and U23 Championships, in July.

Before winning his European title, Hearn-Smith had set a personal best of 20.95 seconds in the 200m at the under-18 qualifying competition.