Following the team’s announcement today, British triathlete Liz Blatchford will seek legal advice after her omission from the triathlon squad for London 2012.
The three woman line-up comprises world champion Helen Jenkins along with Vicky Holland and Lucy Hall.
And Blatchford responded saying on her website, “This past week we requested a review of the selection process and at this point their selection has been upheld.
“I am seeking further legal advice and will shortly make a decision as to whether I will pursue it further.”
Blatchford claimed that Hall’s selection was part of a policy by British Triathlon to pick ‘domestiques’, athletes who sacrifice their own race to help others win but in her opinion such tactics are not needed.
“Our highest ranked athletes, the Brownlees and Helen Jenkins, have proven time in time out that they do not need any help to win, so I really feel that giving Olympic spots to domestiques is a complete and utter waste and truly unfair to those athletes like myself who have given everything to be the best triathletes they can be.”
Blatchford is ranked 20th, over 100 places higher than Hall, in Olympic qualification rankings, but failed to reach the team on merit according to strict qualification criteria, which required podium finishes in world series races.
Hall recorded her first senior international victory in March, but although she has limited experience at world level she is known for her speed in the swim and bike disciplines.
British Triathlon declined to comment on Blatchford’s possible legal move.
Lizzie Flint, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
