LONDON 2012: Roberts fails in bid to earn place on British Paralympic team

Posted: Monday 16th July 2012 | 19:06

DAVE Roberts, Great Britain's most successful male Paralympian, has lost his appeal against non-selection for London 2012.

MISSING: Dave Roberts has won 11 gold medals in 12 years but won't be involved at the London 2012 Olympics (Getty Images)

Roberts, 32, made his Games debut 12 years ago and has won 11 gold medals in three appearances, including four golds in Beijing in 2008.

However, an untimely bout of pneumonia meant he failed to hit his qualification criteria at the British Gas Championships in London and British International Disability Swimming Championships in Sheffield.

He hoped his past experience would be enough to earn place and appealed - although the original decision was upheld by British Swimming panel.

“After a robust and independent appeals process, British Swimming followed the recommendations of the independent Appeals Committee and after receiving an independent medical report we believe Dave has not met the standards set out for selection to the Paralympics Games," said British Swimming chief executive David Sparkes.

“Obviously we are sorry that Dave will not be there and we all wish him well for the future. I am sure that he along with all of us wish the whole Paralympic team good luck for the Games.”