Judo: Howey to fight in Games
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Your support makes all the difference.In an awkward reversal, the English selectors for the women's squad in next month's Commonwealth Games have been forced to give the Olympic silver medallist Kate Howey the top middleweight place after originally only naming her as reserve. The 20-year-old Samantha Lowe, who only weeks ago was the surprise first choice, is now on the bench.
In what may be the first successful appeal against a decision by selectors at the top level of English sport, a QC heard evidence from both sides in the dispute and made judgment overwhelmingly in Howey's favour.
The English selectors originally chose Lowe over Howey because of the young competitor's better track record in recent events on paper. But Bernard Weatherall QC said that they took too "narrow" a view on their own selection criteria – the most important factor was that the person had to be selected who was "most likely to achieve wins".
That was undoubtedly Howey, who has won more major international medals in the past decade than any other single British fighter.
"I am relieved," admitted the 28-year-old Howey, who sat through the eight-hour hearing. 'This was my last chance for a Commonwealth Games medal, which is the only judo medal I haven't won."
Howey acknowledged that she felt sorry for Lowe. "I know how disappointing it is to be told you are selected and then suddenly you are the reserve – it has happened to me. But Sam is young enough for another Commonwealth Games. I am not."
It also saves the Games' judo organisers considerable embarrassment. All judo clubs in the UK have been sent posters and leaflets encouraging their members to go to the Games – with a big picture of Howey and the request "Come and see me". Only as a result of the appeals procedure will they be able to do that.
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