As much I know every country has the "Sporting Association" and those people onboard of directors selecting younger athletes for - sponsored international events.....the UK Olympic people were recruiting talent for the Tokyo games, so I applied. Never been a sporty type, so it was quite something for me to even consider trying, but it was no surprise when I didn't get any further.
... I outshot both of them....
Happened to me as well and a friend - some 25 years younger - was selected for Turkey, and he actually told me this doesn't prevent me to register for event only I won't be sponsored. Unless coming home with a medal and the Association will reimburse my travel-lodging expenses - but no bonus assigned to the medal holder.
I was kind of p*ssed back then and never again represented a flag - meaning I did not let but prohibited the Press saying a Canadian athlete won dis and dat.... that followed a decent fight with head coaches, and I am glad I did break with them.
Not much have changed in last decade or so...this must be some Commonwealth thingy.
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