A stalwart of Athletics Fiji has called on Team Fiji officials to be frank in their explanations about Fiji’s performance at the Olympic Games in China.

Paul Yee of Athletics Fiji said athletes should not be blamed for performing below expectation saying Fiji were not in medal contention because officials failed in their duties.

Yee, regarded as one of the fathers of athletics in Fiji said Athletics Fiji was not happy with preparations accorded to sprinter Makelesi Batimala, the South Pacific record holder.

This also included the selection of her coach.

“Athletics Fiji wanted to send Makelesi to the United States but Atma Maharaj, who was in charge, opted for Brisbane and Australia-based coach Lloyd Way,” Yee said.

“He is a good coach, but he is not coaching athletics this year. It was Maharaj’s choice and we were not happy with it. We did not want to disappoint Makelesi’s eagerness otherwise she would deviate from her concentration.”

“Makelesi was also made to run for 200 metres when she has already qualified for the 400 metres. I am thinking aloud now because two events were too much for her especially in the Olympics. She is a natural 400m runner and the 200m affected her concentration.”

“Team Fiji said she was placed 5th in her heat because she was lonely on Lane 8. All lanes have same distances and that was just an excuse to cover up for themselves. It was an insult to her because she tried her best.”

Fiji competed in swimming, athletics, shooting, judo and weightlifting and could not qualify in any of the finals at the Beijing Games.

Yee said giving excuses would not help in the development of sports in Fiji.

“First the excuse given by the Chef de Mission did not help athletes. He was talking on their behalf but did he know what really happened? He said weightlifter Jo Vueti bombed out, but did he know if Vueti was mentally ready for his event because he did not have any manager? There were the cases of other athletes but they should not be blamed for not winning because they have all tried their best. That is the Olympics and demeaning excuses offered by officials will discourage them,” Yee added.

He said officials should stand by athletes instead of offering excuses to save themselves first.

“The same excuses we have been hearing in all Olympics are here again. How many Olympic Games have we attended? Why don’t we say things that will help us improve in the next Games. Officials should not blame athletes in order to save their faces. Before the Games they said everything are in order and Fiji will do well. Now they are blaming the athletes because of the losses. Let’s not blame each other but work on how to improve in the next Games

“Every time we say preparations were on track before the Games but when we lose, we blame lack of preparations, lack of money and so forth. Why can’t we say constructive comments that could help us in the next Olympics?”

Team Fiji is expected to return home this week. Host China topped the medal tally of the 2008 Olympic Games which ended this morning.

Fijilive

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