22 March 2017

British Athletics today published a revised selection timetable for the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London.  In keeping with its philosophy of “selecting a large and competitive team to help inspire the next generation of British track and field stars” it has been announced that there will be a second and final selection meeting for the British Athletics team on the 24 July 2017, where any events with unfilled places or available Home Nation slots will be discussed.

The original selection meeting, where the vast majority of athletes will be formally selected, remains scheduled for 10 July 2017 (with the team announcement being made on 11 July 2017) – excluding selection for the Marathon and 50km Race-Walk, which will take place on 25 April 2017 (announcement 26 April 2017).

The performance criteria for selection to represent the British Athletics team at London 2017 has not changed, with the first two athletes past the post at the relevant British trials automatically selected, provided they have achieved at least one qualification standard in that event.  Reigning IAAF World Champions and 2016 IAAF Diamond League winners will also be automatically selected.

All other athletes, with qualification standards achieved by the relevant selection meeting (25 April for Marathon and 50km Race-Walk, with all other events on 10 July – including relay teams), will be selected provided they have shown current form/fitness.  Where more athletes have qualified than places available, selections will be made based on the usual set of criteria (form/head-to-heads/season best etc.) as detailed in the full selection policy.

The addition of a second and final selection meeting means any athletes who achieve a qualification standard following the main British Athletics selection meeting on 10 July, but before the end of the IAAF deadline of midnight on 23 July, may now be selected on 24 July – provided a space is available in their event(s) and they have current form/fitness.

IAAF rules allow for a single Home Nation place to be available in each track/road event (but not field/combined events), where British Athletics does not have at least one qualified athlete.   If a Home Nation place still exists on the 24 July, British Athletics will fill each slot with the highest IAAF ranked available athlete (subject to fitness).

IAAF invites will also be accepted, as/when received from IAAF, provided the athlete(s) concerned shows current form/fitness.

British Athletics Performance Director Neil Black said: “On the outset this may seem a bit complicated, but in essence all we have done is add a second meeting to discuss anyone who achieves a qualification performance after the main British Athletics selection meeting, but before the end of the IAAF deadline, for any available spaces that remain after the main selection.  As well as looking to fill any available Home Nation spots.

“We could not delay full selection until the end of the IAAF period, as that would not allow enough time to arrange for athletes to attend the relevant holding camps.

“This added selection process means we will remain consistent with our philosophy of selecting a large and competitive team to represent British Athletics in London and help inspire the next generation of British track and field stars.”

Timetable summary:

25 April 2017:   Selection for the Marathon and 50km Race-Walks

26 April 2017: Announcement of athletes selected to represent British Athletics in the Marathon and 50km Race-Walks

10 July 2017:    Main Selection meeting

11 July 2017:    Announcement of British Athletics team

24 July 2017:    Final Selection meeting

25 July 2017:    Announcement of additional selections

Due to extensive logistical issues, athletes selected on 24 July may not be permitted to attend the British Athletics altitude camp or sea-level holding camp.

British Athletics’ full selection documents for the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London can be found here: http://www.britishathletics.org.uk/world-class/2017-selection-policies/