Athletics Fiji Development Officer Albert Miller is advocating for improved standards and structures concerning the Commonwealth Games trials, following an event held at the HFC Bank National Stadium yesterday, which saw participation from over 100 athletes. Miller raised concerns regarding overwhelming entries from schools and local athletics clubs, which he believes are undermining the competitive integrity of these trials.
Miller emphasized that the Commonwealth Games trials must remain a prestigious event, distinct from general time trials often held at the school level. He noted, “This is not a time trial for schools, which is what I see a lot happening.” While he acknowledges the importance of inclusivity in athletics, he insists there needs to be a clear distinction in competition levels to avoid negative repercussions on national athletes’ performance.
The trials featured nearly 60 participants in the 100 meters alone, a volume that resulted in significant delays, pushing the event schedule back by over an hour. Such disruptions, according to Miller, detract from the athletes’ focus and the overall quality of the competition.
Miller is calling on Athletics Fiji to establish qualifying times and implement a rigorous vetting process to ensure that only the most qualified athletes from clubs and schools are allowed to compete in the trials. He highlighted that previous online registration systems allowed for better athlete selection, a process that was weakened by the recent shift to on-site sign-ups.
To enhance the competitive environment, Miller suggested hosting additional events specifically aimed at schools and local clubs. This would preserve the Commonwealth trials’ status as a high-caliber competition for athletes aiming for national representation. As Athletics Fiji prepares to finalize its team for the Commonwealth Games, Miller’s proposals aim to fortify the trials’ organization and maintain a level playing field that supports the advancement of Fiji’s elite athletes.
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