UK Athletics have revised - and relaxed - their Olympic selection policy!!! (but only for a couple of field events )
Men's Discus - the UKA standard drops from 65.81m to 64.90m.
Women's Discus - the UKA standard drops from 63.50m to 63.20m
Men's Javelin - the UKA standard drops from 83.79m to 82.30m
Women's Javelin - the UKA standard drops from 62.83m to 61.50m
Realistically, this is going to have limited effect - I can't remember the last time GB had an 80m+ javelin but it could benefit the likes of Lawrence Okoye and Nick Percy in the discus. Maybe outside chance for Jade Lally now as well.
There's a couple of other changes to note:
As expected, the official trials for 10,000m is scheduled for 18th May at the 'Night of the 10,000m PBs' in Highgate.
There won't be a heptathlon/decathlon at the trials - multi eventers will be required to compete in at least 1 event at the trials.
The squads for 4x100m relay and the 4x400 relay are reduced from 6 to 5 athletes.
The squad for the mixed 4x400 squad is reduced from 6 to 4 athletes.
The role of Technical Director has been removed and replaced with Head Coach.
The terms of the Head Coach discretion has been changed to "has demonstrated exceptions ability, a proven track record medalling in previous major international championship and with the potential to medal at the Games" (Previously, this clause on referred to "demonstrated exceptional ability and potential to medal at the Games")
The reference to "Future individual medal potential at major championships" is removed in relation to eligible athletes with WA qualification standard.
The Selection Panel are no longer required to consider eligible athletes who receive an invite from World Athletics - the new wording says the panel "may consider eligible athletes who have achieved the UKA standard and, in the sole discretion of the selection panel, meet the aims of the policy" - gives the panel plenty of leeway to reject quotas even where the athlete has met the UK standard.
Looks like UK Athletics will be prioritising the mixed 4x400 with athletes expected to compete in the mixed event as required by the head coach.
Changes have been made to the selection panel with event specialists downgraded to non-voting members.