Rebellion in the WMA ranks
Britain’s Bridget Cushen, a W60 distance runner who spent many years as the Women’s Representative in WAVA (now WMA), isn’t taking kindly to WMA president Torsten Carlius’ efforts to railroad the choice of venue for the inaugural World Masters Indoor Championships. In answer to a British journalist’s query on the topic, she came out with both guns blazing.
Cushen wrote:
“It is totally unconstitutional for the President of WMA to nominate a city, even if he did consult other Council officers. WMA affiliates were asked (at short notice), to bid before the end of last September on the understanding that presentations would be made by bidding cities to the Delegates attending WMA’s next General Assembly. WMA cannot breach that understanding.
“Delegates have to take several considerations into account before deciding which city to vote for and the Bidders are there to answer questions. For example, will the majority of their members find New York easier and cheaper to travel to than travelling to Europe? How many lanes, cost of accommodation, time etc. What about other regions, Oceania, Asia?
“Master athletes are different, they have to fund their hotel and travel arrangements. If Torsten Carlius has awarded the 2004 championships to Sindfinger, the other bidders have a very strong case and should appeal now, not wait until the General Assembly when Sindfinger is likely to turn up with prepared entry forms, brochures etc. and hope that, with WMA’s official backing on the costs already incurred etc, they will get the official stamp of approval.
“WMA, under the Presidency of the late Don Farquharson, was not just demonstratably fair, but the competitors and their needs were given top priority. Sadly, WMA is rapidly losing its reputation as an international organisation elected to serve its competitors.â€
Cushen, who also contributes to National Masters News, lost re-election to the leadership post in 2001 in Brisbane after serving five two-year terms from 1985 to 1995 and a four-year term from 1997 to 2001. Her comments indicate that the natives are restless and Carlius is at risk of open rebellion.
One Response
Ken, As you well know, this matter will be placed before the General Assembly.
Right or wrong, the Council can make a recommendation as to site selection.
My concern is whether the bidders, as has been done in the past, will be present to submit their bids.
It should be noted that New York has an 8 lane track. As I understand it, the other two bidders only have a 4 lane track. This would require many premininary heats and/or finals on a time basis, neither of which I find to be satisfactory.
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