Twitter
Facebook
Google+
Instagram
British Taekwondo has prompted the first major selection row of the Olympics by twice omitting Cook from its four nominated athletes for the Games, a decision many within and outside the sport consider inexplicable.
A specially-convened BOA panel will this week demand an explanation from British Taekwondo after Cook’s omission was confirmed following an appeal by the 21 year-old.
Cook’s omission from the -80kg category for London comes despite his having the full support of performance director Gary Hall, raising questions as to the grounds for his exclusion. Sources have told The Daily Telegraph that Hall voted to include Cook at both selection meetings.
Cook came fourth in the 2008 Olympic competition but last year left the umbrella of British Taekwondo’s high-performance programme, surrendering his funding to train alone. There have been suggestions that the internal politics of the sport may have played a part in the decision.
Former British champion John Cullen said last week that omitting Cook was “like Barcelona not picking Messi”.
Source: The Telegraph