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Ottey's fate depends on rivals' form
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Aug 14 (AFP) - Merlene Ottey's bid to run the 100m at the Sydney Olympics will fail without problems befalling a qualified athlete and Ottey's bid will not be aided by the Jamaican Amateur Athletics Association. Adrian Wallace, president of the JAAA, said here Monday that the former Jamaican sprint queen will not achieve her dream of running in Sydney unless a qualified athlete withdraws, is injured or does not maintain competitive shape. Ottey placed fourth at 100m in the Jamaican Olympic trials, taking a relay berth but missing a spot in the 100m at was to be her farewell showcase. Ottey has since vowed not to go to Sydney for a relay without a 100m berth but said she is training to run the 100m at Sydney and when the time to travel comes, she will be one of the three fastest Jamaica has to offer. The JAAA has an out with a judgement call rule about maintaining form, as outlined in a letter given to every Jamaican Olympic athletics qualifier. "The reason for this is that in previous years, athletes have come on run at national championship and have done reasonably well, but by time they reach a designated games or championship, indications show that their standards have fallen off significantly," Wallace said. "But we have pretty much have a month to wait on see what happens, if anything." Entries for this years Olympics close September 11 but final confirmation of 100m competitors will not come until September 20.
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