Very interesting how this has created such a fuss in NZ. From what I can gather the standard put forth in the shot put by NZ was only one that betters the B standard and as such NZ Athletics is not in a position to ratify a B potential throw by Mr Gill because if someone were to throw an A regardless of how unlikely it was thay would be shut out putting them in an embarressing position or could/would take Athletics NZ to the court of arbitration and probably win leaving NZ athletics further embarressed.
There is no doubt it should have been clearer in the selection policy but its better to sort this out now. In regards to pulling out or focusing on the Olympics that is up to the coach and athlete. I don’t see a reason why you could not compete in both and I am of the opinion that the Olympics is the Olympics and you just never know if you will get another chance. So why not focus on the juniors and if by Olympic Cutt-off date his current performance is good enough to go then let him go and enjoy the atmosphere. Now I realise this kid is a talent but there have been many freaky talented kids. Don’t get me wrong 20.30m+ or whatever he has thrown is good but, he will need to find 1.5-2m to be a medal contender at the big boys games.
So train for the juniors go and demolish the field maybe even set a junior world record and then with that enthusiasm and adrenalin head to the biggest game of them all and see what you can do…