British Badminton Olympic Committee Hits back over Discrimination Claim
THE BBOC today mounted a strong defence of performance director Lars Sologub’s integrity in the face BADMINTONscotland accusations of 'discrimination' over the composition of his provisional British Olympic badminton squad for Athens.
John Havers, chairman of the BBOC, said: 'I am disappointed to learn of BADMINTONscotland chief executive Anne Smillie’s reaction to the selection of the provisional squad.
'Firstly, Lars made the selection strictly in accordance with the criteria laid down by the British Olympic Association and the BBOC – and, incidentally, Scotland, along with England, Wales and Northern Ireland, are represented on the BBOC.
'The criteria was agreed following discussion with the performance directors of the four Home Countries.
'A scrupulously fair-minded man, Lars will be particularly hurt by Anne Smillie`s accusation that Scotland were discriminated against.
'Lars has meticulously gathered all the relevant results of ALL the players with a chance of Olympic selection since August 2002. Furthermore, he has discussed with the performance directors of England, Scotland and Wales his findings before naming the provisional squad. There has been no discrimination.
'Most disappointing of all, this is the first time any criticism has been levelled at our Olympic performance director since his appointment almost five years ago.
'His reputation as a coach gained with Sweden, Germany and French national squads has been enhanced by his sympathetic handling of the potentially difficult problem of managing the Olympic squad selected from the four Home Countries. I have every faith in his integrity and competence, as do my fellow members on the BBOC, including the Scotland representative Richie Campbell.'
Sologub pointed out that Scotland’s women’s doubles pair of Kirsteen McEwan and Yuan Wemyss were currently rated No 5 in the British Isles and that, in all probability, only two pairs would qualify for the Olympic Games.
Nevertheless, Sologub repeated that the door remained open to Kirsteen and Yuan, as it did to other Olympic hopefuls who were in contention.
For further information contact:
Lars Sologub on 07788 577297 or John Havers on 07802 702281
John Havers, chairman of the BBOC, said: 'I am disappointed to learn of BADMINTONscotland chief executive Anne Smillie’s reaction to the selection of the provisional squad.
'Firstly, Lars made the selection strictly in accordance with the criteria laid down by the British Olympic Association and the BBOC – and, incidentally, Scotland, along with England, Wales and Northern Ireland, are represented on the BBOC.
'The criteria was agreed following discussion with the performance directors of the four Home Countries.
'A scrupulously fair-minded man, Lars will be particularly hurt by Anne Smillie`s accusation that Scotland were discriminated against.
'Lars has meticulously gathered all the relevant results of ALL the players with a chance of Olympic selection since August 2002. Furthermore, he has discussed with the performance directors of England, Scotland and Wales his findings before naming the provisional squad. There has been no discrimination.
'Most disappointing of all, this is the first time any criticism has been levelled at our Olympic performance director since his appointment almost five years ago.
'His reputation as a coach gained with Sweden, Germany and French national squads has been enhanced by his sympathetic handling of the potentially difficult problem of managing the Olympic squad selected from the four Home Countries. I have every faith in his integrity and competence, as do my fellow members on the BBOC, including the Scotland representative Richie Campbell.'
Sologub pointed out that Scotland’s women’s doubles pair of Kirsteen McEwan and Yuan Wemyss were currently rated No 5 in the British Isles and that, in all probability, only two pairs would qualify for the Olympic Games.
Nevertheless, Sologub repeated that the door remained open to Kirsteen and Yuan, as it did to other Olympic hopefuls who were in contention.
For further information contact:
Lars Sologub on 07788 577297 or John Havers on 07802 702281