Samuels nominated for Glasgow Games team

Triathlon New Zealand has today confirmed that Nicky Samuels has been added to the nominations to the New Zealand Olympic Committee for the women’s individual triathlon at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, with a response from the New Zealand Olympic Committee expected sometime in the middle of next week.

Samuels was initially named in the team as a reserve for the Mixed Team Relay but was not named in the individual event, but subsequent to an appeal from Samuels the decision has been reviewed and pending confirmation from the New Zealand Olympic Committee she may be added to the women’s team of Andrea Hewitt (Christchurch) and Kate McIlroy (Wellington). On review, the Tri NZ Selection Committee is satisfied that Nicky has demonstrated potential to finish in the top 6 of the Commonwealth Games field.

Tri NZ High Performance Director Graeme Maw says the process has been a thorough one.

“It is appropriate that any selection process has scope for appeal, and we thank Nicky and our Review Panel for working through the process. Having not met the automatic nomination criteria, we were asked to reconsider the available information including some specifically highlighted by Nicky, and are now satisfied Nicky has the potential for a top 6 finish. We are pleased to add Nicky to our nominations and look forward to hearing from the New Zealand Olympic Committee in the week ahead.”

Samuels was obviously delighted at the news. The Wanaka athlete is in Europe where she will complete her preparations for Glasgow, subject to that ratification.

“I’m very happy to be nominated for the Glasgow team and have the chance to represent my country if selected. First and foremost, thanks to all those involved who had to give up time out of their regular day jobs – especially the Tri NZ Board, selection committee and independent selection review team.

“I knew in my heart that my results were good enough to be in the team so although it took a bit longer to get to the bottom of this it is the right decision so I’m happy with the outcome. I move into the next training phase motivated and excited for the challenge that lays ahead and also the chance to race in Glasgow on a course that is suited to a strength based athlete such as myself.”

Maw says the focus of all concerned is now very much on preparing for Glasgow.

“We are under no illusions of the competition we will face in Glasgow, with Commonwealth athletes already very prominent in this year’s World Series. We are setting very high standards within the Tri NZ HP Programme, and the recent racing in Yokohama shows the fine line we must cross to achieve success. Led by Head Coach Greg Fraine, we have developed a very strong team culture at our training base in Cambridge, and will be building from here to peak for the Games in July.”