BOA decision means taekwondo world number one Aaron Cook is ruled out of Team GB at Olympics

Taekwondo world number one Aaron Cook during a media day in Manchester in April. Credit: PA

The British Olympic Association has agreed to ratify a controversial taekwondo nomination that dashed world number one Aaron Cook's hopes of competing at the London Games.

The BOA said in a statement that its Olympic qualification standards panel had agreed unanimously to support the choice of Lutalo Muhammad instead of European champion Cook in the -80kg weight division.

Twenty-one-year-old Cook left the GB Taekwondo set-up a year ago to work on an independent training programme. His supporters have always felt this has worked against him.

The governing World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) warned on Thursday that the dispute and a perceived lack of transparency in the selection process risked bringing the sport into disrepute.

'Absolute disgrace'

The BOA decision provoked a scathing response from Aaron Cook's management company.

"Aaron is naturally incredibly disappointed with the BOA decision," said a statement from the 21-year-old's management company.

"It is an absolute disgrace that a British world number one has not been selected for the London Olympics by either his governing body or Olympic Association.

"Since Aaron's departure from their club the results are plain for everyone to see," added the statement.

"Yet he is world number one, European champion and has beaten 10 of the top 15 athletes in the Olympic rankings in his most recent fights.

"What more could Aaron have done? Is the message that if you fund yourself and do not take Lottery funding then you cannot participate in the Olympic Games?

"UK Sport needs to ask and be asked some serious questions."

'Most difficult of selections'

Welcoming the BOA decision, GB Taekwondo Performance Director Gary Hall said:

“This has been a long and difficult process for all involved, for the selection panel members and particularly for the two athletes concerned.

"Both are outstanding candidates and truly world class, both capable of medalling in London. This has been the most difficult of selection decisions.

“During the course of this selection process, GB Taekwondo has followed the instructions and recommendations of both Sport Resolutions and the British Olympic Association in reaching its decision to nominate Lutalo Muhammad."