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New Zealand’s Nicky Samuels Wins Non-Selection Appeal

Photo by Delly Carr / ITU Media
Photo by Delly Carr / ITU Media

Triathlete Nicky Samuels was left out of the five person team for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, but was named as a reserve for the team relay when she failed to make qualifying standards. As one of the top triathletes in the country she believed a reassessment was in order and she hopes to join Andrea Hewitt and Kate McIllroy on the team. Following a successful appeal of her non-selection last month, Triathlon New Zealand  confirmed this morning that Samuels has been added to the nominations for the New Zealand team and deliberations will follow with New Zealand Olympic Committee to confirm her position in Glasgow.

”It is appropriate that any selection process has scope for appeal, and we thank Nicky and our Review Panel for working through the process,” Triathlon NZ high performance director Graeme Maw said.

”Having not met the automatic nomination criteria, we were asked to reconsider the available information including some specifically highlighted by Nicky, and are now satisfied Nicky has the potential for a top 6 finish.”

Samuels was enthusiastic, ”I’m very happy to be nominated for the Glasgow team and have the chance to represent my country if selected,” she said.

”First and foremost, thanks to all those involved who had to give up time out of their regular day jobs – especially the Tri NZ Board, selection committee and independent selection review team.

”I knew in my heart that my results were good enough to be in the team so although it took a bit longer to get to the bottom of this it is the right decision so I’m happy with the outcome.

”I move into the next training phase motivated and excited for the challenge that lays ahead and also the chance to race in Glasgow on a course that is suited to a strength based athlete such as myself.”