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Statement from Athletics Australia CEO Dallas O'Brien regarding John Steffensen
There have been reports in the media that John Steffensen intends to withdraw from the 2010 Commonwealth Games team. Athletics Australia has had no official confirmation of John’s withdrawal and would be disappointed if John, the defending 400m champion, were not available to represent Australia in the 400m and the 4x400m relay in New Delhi (IND).
Over recent months, there have been a number of unsubstantiated allegations raised in the media in relation to John and his relationship with Athletics Australia. I would like to clarify the organisation’s position on the following key issues:
The Australian Athletics
Championships and Selection Trials:
In the lead-up to this year’s national
championships and Commonwealth Games selection trials in Perth in
April, John requested an exemption from competing in the trials due
to injury.
Following this request, an exemption was granted by the Chairman of Selectors, however, in line with the selection policy, John was informed that this did not guarantee him an individualberth in the 400m on the Commonwealth Games team.
At the time, four athletes (including John) had already achieved the A-qualifying standard required to be considered for selection. Under the Commonwealth Games rules, Australia can select up to three athletes to represent Australia in individual events.
The selection policy states that the winner of the trial is automatically nominated to the team if they have an A-qualifying performance at that time (either in the trial or earlier in the period). If the winner is automatic and the second place getter also has an A-qualifier, they too are nominated automatically.
Given that four athletes had already achieved the A-qualifier in this event prior to the trial, it was likely that the third place-getter in the trial would also have an A-qualifier, and would therefore have a strong case to take the third and final position under the selectors' discretion.
Considering this information John chose to
compete at the national championships, where he placed second and
was an automatic nomination.
Athletics Australia selection policies
All selection policies are available on the Athletics Australia website.
The selection policy applies to ALL athletes, and is considered the fairest process in which to select the team.
Disagreements with Athletics Australia
John is supported by Athletics Australia’s High Performance program and is a valued athlete. He has been a member of our world championships, Olympic and Commonwealth Games teams.
Following the selection trials, and on a number of occasions since, John has been critical of Athletics Australia through the media.
We have made numerous attempts to arrange meetings with John to discuss his issues and his behaviour since April and have also offered to participate in an independent mediation process. Despite this, John has refused all efforts to meet with Athletics Australia to discuss his situation. It is extremely difficult to resolve any issues with an athlete who refuses to communicate directly.
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