Warburton (pictured above), who was originally left out of the squad after failing to meet the UK Athletics selection criteria of at least two A qualifying standards in 2011 and 2012, will now join Andrew Osagie and Michael Rimmer on the start line at London 2012.

It brings the total number of British track and field athletes in London to 78.

"This is an incredible opportunity for me and I intend to make the most of it," said the 29-year-old Cardiff runner, who missed out on second A standard by 0.20sec at last week's European Championships in Helsinki.

UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner, who also chaired the appeals panel, confirmed that Warburton's appeal was the only one out of 11 challenges to succeed because of the narrow grounds on which athletes could appeal.

In a statement, Warner said: "Appeals are heard on a matter of process and facts and not opinion, and the panel considered 11 appeals, of which only Gareth's was successful.

"We ensure that the original selection committee has followed the selection criteria appropriately and have made their decisions based on full and correct facts.


"In the case of Gareth Warburton and in light of independent legal advice, the appeals panel decided that the combination of Warburton's current A and current B standards made him selectable under the UKA selection policy and he has been added to the team."

The decision of the appeals panel means there will be no overturning of the controversial decision to pick only one runner with the B qualifying standard, Lynsey Sharp (pictured above, front), for the women's 800m.

Three of the athletes with A standards who were overlooked – Marilyn Okoro, Emma Jackson and Jemma Simpson – challenged the decision but have been told the decision stands.

Jackson, who missed out after fracturing a rib 10 days before the Olympic trials, said she was not surprised but she had to try.

"All I can do now is prove to everybody that I should have been in the team," she said.

Marlon Devonish, the 2004 Olympic 4x100m relay gold medallist, and steeplechaser Hattie Dean also had their appeals turned down, as did discus thrower Jade Nicholls.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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