‘Inhumane’: Aussie cyclist ‘robbed’ of medal shot as fury erupts
Updated . First published at
AusCycling has expressed its extreme disappointment after cyclists Felicity Wilson-Haffenden and Sophie Edwards were disqualified in the track cycling women’s individual pursuit at the Commonwealth Games.
Wilson-Haffenden’s disqualification came due to taping of her shoulder resulting in a “morphological change”, while the decision around Edwards was due to excessive padding in her helmet.
Felicity Wilson-Haffenden. Getty Images
Wilson-Haffenden had qualified for the bronze medal race after breaking the Australian record but the decision robbed her of a medal chance. Edwards did not qualify for the final.
News dropped on the official website for the Commonwealth Games when it listed both athletes as disqualified.
Two hours after the disqualification happened, AusCycling released a statement clarifying what had happened and expressing its disagreement and anger.
“We are extremely disappointed by the commissaires’ decision to disqualify Felicity Wilson-Haffenden and Sophie Edwards from the track cycling women’s individual pursuit today in Glasgow,” the statement read.
“This morning, Felicity was seen by the medical team after experiencing discomfort in her shoulders, of which she experiences routine discomfort. The medical team applied strapping tape to her shoulders to alleviate this discomfort.
“After Felicity’s qualifying heat, in which she recorded a time that qualified her for the bronze medal final, the commissaires concluded that the taping of her shoulder constituted a “morphological change”, although they did not articulate the reasons for their conclusion.
“Separately, Sophie Edwards was disqualified after commissaires ruled that the amount of padding in her helmet was excessive.
“No issues were raised with the team’s equipment or clothing after inspection by officials in yesterday’s women’s team pursuit.
“These are extremely disappointing outcomes for both of our athletes and our full support is with them as the competition continues.”
AusCycling’s executive general manager of performance at Aus Cycling, Jesse Korf, had confirmed on the ground in Glasgow that Wilson-Haffenden had shoulder strapping during the women’s team pursuit final a day earlier when she won gold.
Former Australian cyclist Kate Bates was furious at the decision.
“I am livid, I’m heartbroken for Sophie and for Felicity. Felicity in particular, racing for a medal in her first Commonwealth Games,” she said on Seven.
“I think she’s been robbed. I don’t know who’s let her down. Was it Team Australia, was it the commissaires?
“It is unacceptable for her to be disqualified. I just can’t get my head around it, to be honest. She had shoulder taping because she’s got medical taping that necessitates it.
“How inhumane to consider she might need to race without it? It’s a known medical condition. She’s really brave I think.”