FROM SOUTH AFRICAN ATHLETICS
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Mey says no to Olympic Games
by Wilhelm de Swardt | 15 January 2008 (00:23)
Karin Mey, who holds the SA record in the long jump for women, is not interested in competing in the Olympic Games in Beijing this year.
Mey has written to Athletics SA to convey her decision because she wants the administrators to be aware of her plans and to know how she feels about the matter.
ASA chairperson Leonard Chuene said on Monday it was the first time that he had received a letter of that nature.
“In all the years that I have been involved in athletics I have never received a request from an athlete not to be selected for an Olympic squad,” Chuene said.
"I am really surprised. Karin provides no reason for her decision. She just says she does not want to take part in the Games.
"It is important to establish the reason. I will contact her to ask what the problem is. If we at ASA can do anything to make her change her mind, we would like to do so.
“She is one of South Africa’s better athletes. Our door is open to her.”
Gauteng North chairperson Chris Britz is also surprised. “I was under the impression that the problems between Karin and ASA were solved at a meeting in November last year,” he said.
“But two weeks ago I received a copy of the letter she wrote to ASA. As chairman, I am sorry but it remains her decision.”
Mey was unavailable for comment on Monday. Her coach, Charlie Strohmenger, said he thought her preparations for the Games had not gone according to plan.
“Karin wants to take part in the world championships in Berlin next year,” he added.
Even though the athlete may be closing some doors by not going to Beijing, Strohmenger feels he has to accept her decision.
“Karin is a perfectionist. I don’t think it was an easy decision for her to take,” he said.