Steffensen quits Delhi Games
Updated
Outspoken athlete John Steffensen has reportedly chosen to quit the Delhi Commonwealth Games team as a protest against Athletics Australia (AA).
Steffensen, a dual Games gold medallist at Melbourne in 2006, has stated he can no longer work with AA, what he called an "egotistical and outdated" body.
Athletics Australia chief executive Dallas O'Brien says he has not received any formal notification, and has made numerous attempts to meet with Steffensen and repair their differences, to no avail.
"Athletics Australia have had no official confirmation of John's withdrawal," O'Brien said in a statement.
"(We) would be disappointed if Steffensen, the defending 400m champion, were not available to represent Australia in the 400m and the 4 x 400m relay in New Delhi."
"John is supported by Athletics Australia's High Performance program and is a valued athlete.
"He has been a member of our World Championship, Olympic and Commonwealth Games teams.
"Following the selection trials, and on a number of occasions since, John has been critical of Athletics Australia through the media.
"We have made numerous attempts to arrange meetings with John to discuss his issues and his behaviour since April and have also offered to participate in an independent mediation process.
"Despite this, John has refused all efforts to meet with Athletics Australia to discuss his situation.
"It is extremely difficult to resolve any issues with an athlete that refuses to communicate directly."
Steffensen has argued that he was wrongly forced to compete at the selection trials after back surgery, despite having already run an "A" qualifying time.
-AAP
Topics: athletics, sport, commonwealth-games, australia, india
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