Steve Larkin July 13, 2012
Emma Snowsill will miss the Olympics. Photo: Andy King
Australian triathlete Emma Moffatt says she was upset at the selection shock which cost Emma Snowsill the chance to defend her Olympic title.
Moffatt says Snowsill's non-selection for this month's London Games jangled the nerves of her triathlon teammates.
Snowsill was overlooked for London, with 2008 Olympic bronze medallist Moffatt, Erin Densham and Emma Jackson chosen as the Australian women's triathlon team.
Snowsill, the Beijing Olympic champion considered Australia's greatest triathlete, was central in a selection process mired in controversy.
''I was a little bit upset that she didn't get selected, just for the fact that she's unable to defend her title,'' Moffatt said yesterday.
''But selection is selection.
''And we have got two other really good girls who have been named in the team so hopefully Australia can still come up with the goods.''
In April, Triathlon Australia's head of the elite selection panel quit, claiming board-level interference after the panel's recommendations were twice rejected.
The selection window was then opened a further six weeks to include another two international races, confusing triathletes who were working to the original time frame.
Amid the swirling furore, including Snowsill's unsuccessful appeal against her non-selection, Moffatt felt blessed at being nominated early for the London Olympics.
''In November-December last year, I pretty much knew I was going to the Olympics,'' Moffatt said.
''I got to stay out of all the selection, which was really late for the other girls, with Emma not going to get selected and all that kind of stuff.
''It would have been quite nerve-wracking for the other girls.
''Lucky for me, I had good night's sleeps and could get all my training done and not worry about it.''
Moffatt, who leaves for Europe on Sunday, was confident of turning around her middling form this year.
''Every week for the past few months, training has been a little bit better which always gives you confidence that you're improving,'' she said.
''Things have been going to plan.
''My earlier races this year weren't fantastic but my main goal has been August - and I was selected early so I didn't have to worry about peaking twice in one year.
''I always just try to go out and race as hard as I can and hope that all the training has been worthwhile and it all comes together on the day.'' AAP