Following discussions between Athletics Australia President Mr Rob Fildes and the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) President Mr John Coates, the AOC selection committee has today approved an amendment to the Athletics Australia nomination criteria to extend the qualification period to 9am (AEST) 22 June 2012.

While our initial nomination policy had AOC endorsement they have now agreed for us to extend the qualifying period. It was also acknowledged the extension could not apply to just one athlete but must apply to all athletes in fairness of opportunity.

It was always the AOC’s position that Athletics Australia’s deadline could be 22 June, but 11 June was initially agreed to allow for nominations, Board ratification and appeals.

We have made this joint decision with the AOC in the interest of the sport and to ensure that we give every opportunity to athletes to be selected in the Olympic Team.

Following this agreement to extend the qualifying period the Athletics Australia selection committee will now reconvene to consider any further athlete performances within this new qualifying period, of which Genevieve LaCaze will be one.

We are very pleased to be nominating one of our largest teams ever for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Rob Fildes
President
Athletics Australia