Ben Rova of Fiji Swimming has assured the nation that a stringent process was involved in selecting and submitting the names of two swimmers as probable choices in representing the country at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The president said there was no room for complacency regarding the selection process.
“The Fiji Swimming selection committee did a very thorough analysis on the two names,” he said.
“Each prospect was offered all the opportunity to be treated fairly.”
Rova said the decision had been relayed to all the unsuccessful swimmers.
“The information has been shared with all the individual swimmers on the outcome of the selection.” Rova said every eligible swimmer who were vying for the lone spots in both the genders had a fair opportunity to appeal the selection committee’s decision.
“If anyone does not agree or are unhappy that they were not selected, they have a window in which to submit their appeal.
“If we go past that appeal date and no one has submitted an appeal, that is reason enough for the executives at FS to fathom our decision was just and fair.
“We have not had any disgruntled swimmer lodging an appeal, as we speak.”
According to Rova, the appeal deadline is at close of business today (yesterday). He added the importance regarding the entire exercise was such that he had to recuse himself from the final decision.
“I had to declare my interests for this selection process so that I was not a part of it.
“As you know my two daughters were also in the mix to represent FS at the Tokyo Olympics,” Rova said. The Nadi-man added the secretary at FS would be notified about any appeal concerning the selection.
“They will have to go to our secretary and she will obviously notify the executives.
“We will than set an ethics committee which will deliberate on the issue with the selection committee.
“If there is merit in the case, then it will be further referred to the selection justification committee for Team Fiji, who will assess it.”
Rova concluded that should an appeal be lodged, the final decision pertaining to the appeal would be released before 5pm on Friday May 28.
Eight swimmers were vying for the lone spots in both the genders; favourite Epeli Rabua, Taichi Vakasama, Temafa Yalimaiwai, Netani Ross and Hansel McCaig in the men’s category with outright choice in the women’s section Moana Wind, Cheyenne Rova and Rosemarie Rova.
