The BOA (British Olympic Association) has re-affirmed its decision to not select Aaron Cook to compete in the men’s Taekwondo -80kg weight category during the Olympics.
Despite being reigning European champion and world number one, Cook was overlooked and the less experienced, lesser ranked Lutalo Muhammad was selected instead.
Rightly Cook is challenging the decision to leave him out of the British Olympic team, which he hopes will be referred to either the Swiss based Court of Arbitration for Sport or the High Court in London.
This case could still be going on right up until the games start, which would smear even more egg on the faces of the BOA.
The whole point of the Olympics and sport in general is that spectators want to see the best competing against the best, could you imagine any other nation snubbing an athlete who is ranked world number one in their chosen discipline.
I hope Cook wins his right to compete at the Olympics, I mean what more can he do, he’s world number one, reigning European champion, winner of the test event and reached the semi-finals in Beijing despite being 17 at the time.
He also represents our best chance of a medal in Taekwondo, how can selectors deny him the chance to win gold on home soil.
I would also point out is would be wrong to (as some have) criticise Lutalo Muhammad, it has nothing to do with him and any vented frustration should be directly squarely at the BOA.
Should anyone wish to join me in expressing their disgust at the way Aaron Cook has been treated, here are the contact details of the BOA:
Tel: +44(0) 207 842 5700
Address:
60 Charlotte Street, London
W1T 2NUE
Mail: boa@boa.org.uk
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