• London Olympics 2012

GB Taekwondo snubs world No. 1 Cook again

ESPN staff
June 6, 2012
Aaron Cook is the world No. 1 © PA Photos
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British Taekwondo selectors have refused to back down over their refusal to select world No. 1 Aaron Cook, choosing Lutalo Muhammad instead for the third time.

The British Olympic Association refused to ratify the choice of Muhammad last week, ordering GB Taekwondo to reconsider.

The BOA will now hold a meeting to discuss the situation, and their next move, over the next 24 hours.

Muhammad, 21, has been selected for the -80kg weight class, where he is ranked 59th and Cook 1st. Muhammad defeated Cook at the German Open in March and is a European champion in the -87kg category.

British Taekwondo justified Muhammad's inclusion by claiming regulations over high-kick scoring favoured him over Cook.

The Olympic Qualification Standards Panel said there was "disproportionate amount of emphasis" on this criterion, hence the BOA's objection.

GB Taekwondo selectors met on Wednesday and were watched by an independent observer, who will report back to the BOA.

If the observer feels GB Taekwondo followed the standard procedure, the BOA could be forced to accept the choice of Muhammad over Cook.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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