World No 1 Cook still frozen out

taekwondo world No 1 Aaron Cook has been overlooked for a third time for this summer’s Olympics after a reconvened selection panel failed to change their original decision not to pick him.

Last week the British Olympic Association refused to ratify the nomination of Lutalo Muhammad, who would have to drop down a weight division, ahead of Cook in the under-80kgs category.

The BOA requested another selection panel meeting, with an independent observer present, be scheduled but having held that yesterday GB Taekwondo remain committed to their original choice.

A BOA official confirmed the name of Muhammad, ranked 59th in the world, was the one put forward and that means Cook – winner of a second successive European title last month – has missed out for a third time.

Muhammad’s place has still to be ratified by the BOA and that will not happen until there has been a review of the process and procedures of the selection panel, which is expected to undertaken in the next 24 hours.

“GB Taekwondo can confirm that following a reconvened selection panel meeting this morning, a nomination has been made to the British Olympic Association (BOA) for the outstanding male -80kg position,” said a GB Taekwondo statement.

“We now await the decision of the BOA as to the formal ratification of that nomination.”

A BOA lawyer present at the meeting will report back not on the actual nomination but that the required criteria was fulfilled and followed in terms of reaching that decision.