As a result of information now available we need to issue clarification on some small but significant changes to selection policy for each of the major events this Summer. Each is introduced and detailed below.
Any athletes with questions should, in the first instance, contact their Performance manager (for those on the WCPP) or Zoe Wilson-Maye at UK Athletics zwmaye@UKAthletics.org.uk
1. Beijing Olympics
The recently issued Beijing update by the IAAF includes the following detail on the period for achievement of qualification standards.
Athletes must reach the Qualification Standards for each event from 1 January 2007 (1September 2006 for Marathon events, Combined Events and Race Walking events) until 23 July 2008 for individual events. However, if an athlete reaches the Qualification Standard between 23 and 30 July 2008, NOCs can make a request to the IOC that he/she be considered for entry by 31 July 2008.
However, we need to reiterate the position for GB and NI athletes. Based on our agreement with the BOA, and the need for them to declare the team (known as DRM) on the 20th July, UKA will only accept qualification standards achieved prior to 23.59 on the 18th July as per the originally published criteria.
Consequently, the only use of the extra period offered by the IAAF (i.e. until 30 July) will be to adjust or confirm the status of athletes already selected on the basis of the original deadline. In simple terms this means that only athletes already selected on the basis of qualification standards achieved prior to the 18th will be considered for changes of status (e.g. individual event as well as relay) on the basis of performances achieved between the 19th and 30th.
2. Beijing Paralympics
Based on the quota places now allocated to athletics, we have the opportunity to consider additional selections. Reflecting the BPA’s stated policy for encouraging the consideration of ‘up and coming’ athletes, we will target these additional places at appropriate athletes for whom this would be the first selection for athletics at a Paralympic Games.
Consequently, Section 1.5 of the published selection criteria is modified as follows (changes shown in bold).
1.5 Athletes will normally only be selected on the basis of achieving a published Qualifying Standard as outlined in Appendix A in at least one event and in accordance with the conditions set out in Section 5 of this document. However, developing athletes (those pursuing selection for their first Summer Games) MAY be considered for nomination if they have achieved the published IPC A standard (where this is lower than the UKA standard) AND satisfy the nomination principles stated in Sections 5.1 and 5.2
Sections 5.1 and 5.2 are included below for clarity.
5.1 The aim of the process is to nominate athletes who have achieved the published Qualifying Standards in two categories, namely
· as a priority, athletes with the clear ability to achieve a podium finish.
· if final quota figures allow, additional athletes with the potential to benefit from this experience, leading to a podium finish in future Paralympic Games.
5.2 Consideration and priority will therefore be given to athletes who have achieved the published Qualifying Standards at a Designated Event and can demonstrate genuinely competitive form and fitness by meeting two or more of the following criteria:
a. A performance record of achieving podium/top 6 placing at IPC World Championship and/or Paralympic level;
b. Achievement of the Qualifying Standard on multiple occasions within the Selection period;
c. Consistent high level performance during the Selection period, and/or;
d. A rising profile of performance suggesting achievement of podium within the next Paralympic cycle.
3. IAAF World Junior Championships
UK Athletics recently received information from the IAAF that the final entries for the World Junior Championships close on 23rd June 2008. This requires a change to our publicised selection policy. First and final selections will now be made on Monday 23rd June 2008 immediately following the England Athletics Championships and World Junior Trials at Bedford on 21st and 22nd June.
In addition the following information is released regarding the Junior Women's 5000m trial.
The U20’s women’s 5000m World Junior trial will be incorporated into the Women’s ‘A’ race at BMC GP meet at Manchester on 31st May 08. The U20 trial entries will be limited to ten places in the ‘A’ race and will be prioritised on a performance basis if interest exceeds the permitted ten entries. The entry standard for U20’s wishing to compete in the trial is sub 17:00.00 minutes for 5000m. Performances inside 9:45.00 for 3000m will be considered as well as other noticeable performances throughout the winter season. Those U20 athletes wishing to compete in the trial should email U20 Team Leader Martin Rush mrush@ukathletics.org.uk no later than Monday 19th May.
