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The introduction of new
sight classification procedures and narrower classification parameters
to which players are measured against have rendered British judoka
Lesley Reid ineligible to compete at the VI European Championships
on Saturday 19 November at the K2 in Crawley.
All European judoka wishing
to compete at the London 2012 Paralympic Games were required to
undertake and meet the new sight classification requirements on
Wednesday using the new testing equipment and procedures. A number
of international players have also failed to meet the sight classification
requirements and are also ineligible to compete at the 2011 VI
European Championships.
Lesley has been independently
tested on three previous occasions and on each occasion was classified
as a B3 category competitor, including the classification undertaken
at the VI World Championships in Turkey where she won a bronze
medal.
British Judo’s Performance
Programme Manager Dave Sanders said: “We are all very shocked
and disappointed at the outcome of Lesley’s classification and
her ineligibility to compete at this event. The testing procedures,
equipment and parameters have all changed and this is the first
time any judo player has been tested in this way.
"Whilst I agree sight
classification needs to be more robust and equal, I am quite surprised
to see such significant changes 10 months out from the Paralympic
Games – and without prior notification.
"We are now reviewing
all the tests Lesley has undertaken and speaking with IBSA officials
and classifiers. Dependent on the outcome of this review, we will
look to have Lesley reclassified at the next possible opportunity
[another official IBSA event] to confirm whether or not she is
eligible to compete at the Paralympic Games in London.”
Lesley Reid said: “I am
so grateful for the support and encouragement that I have received
from the VI team, coaches and others. I particularly want to thank
everyone involved in the Cadet / Junior programme and the England
Redbridge ExCell for adopting me as one of their own.
"I am so sad that
I might not be able to see this through to the end, but I do not
regret any of it. I have had the most incredible two years and
achieved things that I would never have thought possible.”
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