World Athletics Indoor Championships 2024: Guy Learmonth demands meeting over selection snub

“This was presented to my federation after the backlash from what has happened and they didn’t use it.”

Learmonth had been hoping to end his indoor career in front of home fans despite missing automatic selection when he finished behind Jack Higgins in a photo finish at the British Indoor Championships.

The Scot, who says he was ill in the lead-up to the race, subsequently received an invite from World Athletics based on previous performances.

However, British Athletics declined to select Learmonth or Higgins, both of whom had failed to make the event’s qualifying time.

“Not to talk about other athletes that have been selected over me, obviously not in my event, but to cut a long story short, I qualified by virtue of my world ranking just like other athletes and their invites got accepted and mine got rejected,” he said.

British Athletics has been asked for a response but has previously stated that it does not comment on specific selection decisions.

Its policy states athletes will only be considered if the selection panel believes they can “contribute to medal success or finish in the top eight”.

Competitors have to meet either the World Athletics qualification standard in their event or a certain ranking to be considered for the British squad.

Learmonth, who has “been working closely with the Athletes Commission and a legal representative”, has “reached out to various people in management” but been disappointed by “the lack of transparency”.

“I’ve asked for a meeting straight after the championships with the CEO and selection panel,” he added.

“We all know that British Athletics isn’t in a good place financially – a lot of people have been a laid off, a lot of people are working from home. They have no statistician on the selection panel any more, which is crucial for every event.

“I strongly believe the wrong people are in positions of power making incorrect decisions on athletes.”

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