• London Olympics 2012

Van Commenee questions Williams' Korea snub

Jodie Williams triumphed in the 60 metres at the UK Indoor Championships © PA Photos

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Charles van Commenee, the head coach of UK athletics, has criticised Jodie Williams' decision not to compete in the World Championships this summer.

The junior world 100 metres champion will not travel to South Korea as her team believes that she is too young to handle the strain of a major championship.

After Williams underlined her potential by storming to the 60m title at the UK Indoor Championships on Saturday, Van Commenee has questioned the wisdom of her decision.

"It would not be my choice," Van Commenee said. "I've spoken to the coach and to the father in October and afterwards they have decided she is not going to go because the father feels she should not be away for such a long time at such a big distance from home.

"School was mentioned and the coach feels that he could prepare her for the Olympics without being at the World Championships. Those are the three reasons given to me.

"I've encouraged her to go. I failed to convince [them] so I am not in the position to hijack her, put a chain around her neck and put her on a plane and put a gun in her back and say, 'Now you're going in the blocks'. I understand that parents see a bigger picture and I have to respect that."

Van Commenee has warned that Williams' lack of exposure to major events could prove damaging to her chances of competing in the relay at the 2012 Olympics - although he insists he will not rule the youngster out of contention.

"The door is still open, but I also want the team to be prepared," he said. "So when it comes to final selection, which is done a few weeks before the Games, I'll select the best team and that's not necessarily always the fastest.

"You need team players. It's a team event, so I select the best team. The door is certainly not closed."

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