Paris 2024: Why team Great Britain selection policy is set to spark a row

Jade Lally is among athletes who have criticizes British Athletics' stringent selection policy urging athletes to switch countries.

UK Athletics confirmed its team on Friday afternoon and it contains few surprises yet sparks major controversy.

The British selection policy which is designed to prioritize athletes with podium potential has left numerous qualified athletes sidelined igniting a fierce debate within the athletic community.

Anguilla-born sprinter Zharnel Hughes who is recovering from a hamstring injury has been named for both the 100m and 200m events.

Eilish McColgan who only recently back from a long injury lay-off has been included in the 10,000m.

Reigning Olympic medallists Keely Hodgkinson (800m), Josh Kerr (1500m), Holly Bradshaw (pole vault), and Laura Muir (1500m) have all secured their spots.

The selection also highlights rising stars like pole vaulter Molly Caudery, along with Phoebe Gill (800m) and Louie Hinchcliffe (100m).

However, CJ Ujah, who recently returned from a doping ban to compete in Rome, is notably absent from the men's 4x100m relay team.

Despite these inclusions, the spotlight is on the controversial selection criteria that have excluded several athletes who met World Athletics’ qualifying standards.

British Athletics has imposed more stringent standards, aiming to focus on medal prospects, a move that has resulted in up to a dozen athletes being left out, despite their eligibility by global standards.

Discus thrower Jade Lally, who recently set a British record with a throw of 63.15m, expressed her frustration in an interview with Telegraph.

“I have to retire because of British Athletics. I’m proud but I’m ashamed to represent British Athletics. If you are a British athlete and have missed out on a championship, I would 100 percent encourage anybody to switch to another country if that is an option. I feel I have wasted a career trying to prove a federation wrong," she said.

Phil Norman and Zak Seddon, both men's steeplechase athletes, also find themselves excluded despite meeting the Olympic standard but not the stricter UKA time.

Norman missed the mark by a mere 0.15 seconds whereas Shot put champion Amelia Campbell is similarly expected to retire due to the stringent selection policies.

“Congratulations to all the athletes and their support networks on their selection for Paris 2024. It is a huge moment in their careers, and they have all worked incredibly hard to get into this position. I wish all the selected athletes well in their last few weeks of preparation. It’s a brilliant mix of athletes who have multiple global medals alongside some amazing young talent," said coach Paula Dunn while defending the approach as per The Mirror.

“We know from this we have a high-quality team for Paris next month who know how to produce their best when it counts and will be challenging for medals and those Olympic final spots. It’s an exciting time for everyone, and we’re incredibly proud of the team named today.”

While the UKA’s aim is to maximize medal chances and top-eight finishes, their stringent selection standards have sparked discontent.

Lally missed the UKA's discus qualifying standard by just five centimeters but should receive a world ranking invitation.

Similarly, Phil Norman’s narrow miss has left him without a spot. Such exclusions have led to criticism from athletes, with Lally and Campbell declaring that these decisions are "killing the sport in the UK."

The backlash underscores a growing divide between the federation's objectives and the athletes' aspirations, with many feeling that their efforts and achievements are being overlooked.

The controversy is likely to continue as the Paris 2024 Games approach with athletes and supporters calling for a more inclusive and supportive selection process.