31 January 2013

British Athletics has today announced the selection policy for athletes aiming for the IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia 10 – 18 August 2013, with the aim of selecting athletes with a realistic chance of making the final, as well as to develop potential future finalists.

Head Coach Peter Eriksson has underlined the importance of the British Athletics World Trials and UK Championships in Birmingham on 12-14 July, by guaranteeing selection for the athletes that finish first in their event providing they have obtained the required A standard prior to, or on the day of the Trial.

Reigning world champions Dai Greene – 400m hurdles (Malcolm Arnold), Mo Farah – 5000m (Alberto Salazar) and 2012 Diamond League winner Robbie Grabarz – high jump (Fuzz Ahmed) will be pre-selected under IAAF rules subject to form and fitness, leaving three further slots in those disciplines available for GB & NI athletes.

Selections for track and field and walk disciplines will take place on Monday 22 July 2013, with the team announced on Tuesday 23rd. The trial event for Marathon runners will be the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 21 April, with selectors meeting on Monday 22 April.

Eriksson said:

“This policy outlines clearly what is expected of the athletes in the approach to the World Championships, and most importantly empowers the selectors to make informed decisions on the form and fitness being demonstrated.

“We have maintained the level of our qualification standards, and whilst an athlete may only require a single A standard, the added requirement of winning Trials and performing when it really matters in order to receive automatic selection will ensure the athletes can truly be regarded as realistic finalists.

“We will also consider athletes qualifying with a B standard provided they have not previously been selected for a global championships on that standard. There is value of course for a developing athlete to attend if they are seen as a potential future finalist, and the aim is that they should take this experience and improve.”

To view the selection policy please visit www.britishathletics.org.uk/world-class/2013-selection-policies/