LONDON 2012: Couch appeal against Team GB diving selections is turned down

By Sportsbeat staff

TONIA Couch's appeal to compete in the women's 10m individual diving at the London 2012 Olympics has been dismissed by British Swimming.

FOCUS: Tonia Couch will compete in the synchro event only at the London 2012 Olympics after her appeal against individual non-selection was turned down (Getty Images)

Monique Gladding was preferred to Couch, despite finishing third to her second at the final team trials in Sheffield.

But Couch will still compete with Sarah Barrow in the synchro event, after recently winning the first female British gold medal at a European Diving Championships for 74 years.

Her coach Andy Banks has slammed the handling of the selection, insisting Couch is the UK's undisputed number one platform diver after placing ninth at last year's World Championships and eighth at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

But Stacie Powell won the trials and Gladding was top Brit at the recent European Championships in Eindhoven, Couch's camp counters that she set a new personal best when finishing ahead of Gladding at the trials.

"We fully understand why Tonia challenged the selection policy however the appeal clearly demonstrates that British Swimming followed a fair and transparent process throughout," said British Swimming chief executive David Sparkes. 

"While we're sure Tonia will initially be disappointed we will be giving her all the support she needs along with the rest of the diving team to ensure they deliver the best possible results in London.

"We wish Tonia and the whole team the very best of luck as they prepare for a home Olympic Games."

© Sportsbeat 2012