Team Fiji Athletics Sectional Manager for the Pacific Games Joseph Rodan Jnr has clarified that Yeshnil Karan did not meet the qualifying times to be able to represent Fiji in this year’s Pacific Games.
Karan won gold in the 1,500 metres and 3,000 metres events in the Coca‑Cola Games last month defeating national rep, Petero Veitaqomaki.
When questioned by FijiVillage as to why Karan was not considered to represent Fiji, Rodan says athletes need to qualify under the A or B Standard Qualifying Marks and Karan did not qualify under either standard.
Rodan also highlighted that the A Standard time for the 1,500 metres event is 3 minutes 58 seconds while Karan clocked a time of 4 minutes 19 seconds adding that the B Standard time is 4 minutes 9 seconds.
When questioned by FijiVillage if Athletics Fiji will develop talents like Yeshnil Karan, Rodan stressed that they will definitely work with Karan to compete in other events in the year as a build-up to the Melanesian Championships.
Rodan also clarified that Petero Veitaqomaki who was beaten by Karan in the 1,500 metres and 3,000 metres events in the Coca-Cola Games is representing Fiji in the 800 metres and 4x400 metres relay in the Pacific Games.
He says that many have questioned why Veitaqomaki was picked to go to the Pacific Games however Rodan says Veitaqomaki currently holds the fastest time in the region in the 800 metres with a time of 1 minute 53 seconds.
A total of 453 athletes have been named to represent Team Fiji in 26 sporting events in the Pacific Games that will be held in Samoa from the 7th to the 20th of July.
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