One of the "biggest shake-ups" ever seen in British Olympic sport "is being planned that would see an American-style trials event introduced for athletes to qualify for future Games," according to Martyn Ziegler of the LONDON TIMES. The British Olympic Association’s blueprint would mirror the model in the U.S., "where the majority of the blue riband sports, including athletics, swimming and gymnastics, hold their trials at the start of July."
The plan in Britain "is to develop a similar event as a sporting spectacular aimed at generating interest from television, sponsors and spectators, and especially in trying to attract a new generation of Olympic fans." The plan "is still in its early stages, but it could be held in a single British city to drum up the greatest amount of coverage."
A "first-past-the-post" system could see the best performers at the trials event automatically earn their place at the Games, rather than relying on selectors. There is, "however, a potential clash with some governing bodies, such as British Cycling, which has warned that such trials for its riders could put Olympic medals at risk."
The minutes of a BOA meeting revealed details of the plan put forward by BOA CEO Bill Sweeney.
The minutes state, "The idea would be that these could take place in 2020." Four potential benefits "are identified in the plan." These are, "Significant revenue potential; upside in sport profile; increase in engagement potential with sports, young people, cities and partners; and an increase in brand awareness."
Sweeney told the meeting that talks were being held with UK Sport, the funding body, about the plan, and said there may be solutions to sports that do not use a "first-past-the-post" system for qualification. British Cycling CEO Ian Drake said that "the organisation would resist being a part of such a format" (LONDON TIMES, 3/22).
