With regard to the vexed subject of technology in sport,. this always arouses strong passions, particularly as technology equals change. Britain woke up to Taekwondo and passions became inflamed when during Beijing 2008 our Taekwondo star, Sarah Stevenson, landed a telling blow to the head, but it was 'missed' by the judges, initially depriving her of a semi final spot. Eventually justice was done by an appeal panel, but the initial subjective error raised alarm bells.
The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) has now addressed these concerns by introducing an electronic scoring system. Sensors are fitted to the athlete's body armour and socks. A number of systems had been tried and many previously found wanting. The 4 judge button pressing panel system has been consigned to history.
The new system requires competitors to make clean contacts to automatically score points. Furthermore there is a video replay system which allows players to instantly challenge 'errors'. Athletes now score more heavily for head contacts and in particular for spinning kicks. This is designed to appeal to spectators. Kicks to the head apparently are more exciting. This is apparently a factor in the huge controversy now surrounding Team GB's selection for 2012.
I doubt if Taekwondo has ever previously enjoyed the level of media interest in this country which broke out in the build up to the Games. British Taekwondo nominated Lutalo Muhammad rather than Aaron Cook, current European Champion, in the Under 80kg category. Cook is ranked World Number 1. Muhammad is ranked 7, but in the under 87kg category which is not an Olympic event. Many prominent figures voiced their support for Cook. On the other hand Stevenson stated that World Rankings are irrelevant in Taekwondo.
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| Spinning Head Kick |
The OQS Panel (Olympic Qualifying Standards) comprising, inter alia Team GB boss Andy Hunt and Clive Woodward ordered British Taekwondo to review the decision and to specifically reconsider certain criteria applied in the decision making process.
OQS's remit is to scrutinise the use of Host Nation Qualification Places, to ensure that agreed performance standards have been met and that the process of nominating athletes has been consistent with the agreed selection criteria and procedures, The OQS Panel can only accept or reject nominations, it does not have the remit to select individual athletes.
In the background is the fact that Cook quit the GB Development Programme last year preferring to train alone and has seen a marked improvement in his performance. Cook has been in the European top 20 consistently whereas Muhammad has not. British Taekwondo seek to justify their decision partly by reference to perceived changes in the head kick marking system which they claim advantages Muhammad. However there is considerable disagreement as to whether the changes have any real effect. OQS is seeking clarification from the WTF.
Muhammad for his part has quietly kept his own counsel. It is known though that he has been the subject of abuse for 'depriving Cook of his rightful place'.
Meanwhile Sarah Stevenson is safely selected for her 4th Olympics.
Now I just have to get my head round the sport. Come on GB!
UPDATE 9.8.12
Britain's 19 year old Jade Jones nicknamed the 'Head Hunter' and coached by Sarah Stevenson, has won the 57kg category gold medal at the Games. She is the first former Youth Olympic Games gold medallist (Singapore 2010) to win senior gold. She fulfilled a prediction made by Dame Kelly Holmes some months ago. Aaron Cook was amongst the public cheering her on. Notwithstanding the controversies of selection in the lead up to the Games, Taekwondo is now hitting the public consciousness in a big way. Lutalo and Sarah are still to come with more potential medals on the line. #legacy.
UPDATE 10.8.12
Lutalo Muhammad wins bronze! Aaron Cook was not present.
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| Lutalo Bronze Medal |
Snubbed by Team GB Aaron Cook has now decided to try his luck representing the Isle of Man, declaring that he will never work with 'them' again. Cook can represent IOM in European and world Championships and hopefully accumulate enough ranking points to qualify for the Olympics under a new system to be introduced by the governing body. Fighting for IOM allows Cook to retain the possibility of competing for Team GB at Rio 2016. Mark Cavendish is somebody who has previously followed this route. Good Luck Aaron you were wronged!!
UPDATE 9.2.13
Cook's first competition in IOM colours is this week. A new beginning. For their part the BOA and UK Sport have vowed to compel governing bodies to draw up more transparent and objective selection criteria ahead of Rio 2016. Cook has been led to believe that the WTF will ensure that its world rankings will count for more in determining selection for the Games.
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