RYA Olympic Selection: Tokyo

I think the UFD was harsh. But i am biased. 

I can understand how frustrated Fynn must have been that the race team wouldn't release their tapes of the start, as they surely felt these would reveal the error and so their request for redress could be granted. I also gather they tried to re-open the redress hearing later, but that was turned down too. 

However, you shouldn't put accusations of an abuse of power on a public board, it's not the proper channel. I don't think Fynn realised it was public and he did apologise after.  

On the other hand, I don't think the race team ever did provide the tapes, so who knows, maybe Fynn's accusation is correct? 

In the end, the DNEs from the Rule 69 didn't make much difference, they were already in silver fleet. The UFD combined with a 21st is what hurt them. 

If the selection events were really Palma, Euros and then one boat gets to go to the test event and if they medal they're in. Then, well two events is a very small sample size to decide which is the better boat when over the last two years they have generally been so evenly matched. 

As has been said before, the RYA aren't in the business of discerning which medal candidate is best, but in getting a medal candidate to realise that potential. 

On the other hand, the RYA are always first to select athletes. What is the pressure to get selection done this far out? Have they seen instances where they've delayed selection in the past and it's led to otherwise medal potential teams fall flat? 

They delayed selection for the 49er last time round, which allowed Dylan and Alain to pip Pinky and Bithell to the selection with a 3rd at the 2016 worlds, despite John and Stu coming out top in most of their head to head over the 15-16 winter. Dylan and Alain missed the medal at Rio, maybe that further put the RYA off late selection? 

In 2012 again the 49er selection was the closest and last to be selected. With Pinky again loosing out alongside Peakcock to Morrison and Rhodes. Dylan and Alain had a late charge too. 

In fact, you'd have to say that of all the classes, the 49er has been the one where GB have had the deepest pool of genuine medal contenders, but have missed out for last three cycles.