Casey Burgener NOT on Olympic Team now? wt*???

[Matt DeMinico]

wt* is this about? Look at this page:
http://weightlifting.teamusa.org/athlete?tag_id=2688

Is it just my imagination, or did USA Weightlifting screw up and completely screw Casey Burgener?

I understand they have "a process" for selecting their team, and that process put Casey #3 on the US Team, supposedly earning a spot on the team, but now apparently we're only bringing 2 athletes? Or only competing 2 athletes (due to our overall team's not-exactly-hot record in international competition). BUT, as I understand, the number of slots we get at the olympics is based on how we do in international competition, and from what I've seen, Casey's the reason we've even got the slots we have, but because of how USAW, in their pursuit for medals, chose to select the team, he now lost his spot?

I'm sorry, but something seems horribly wrong here. And unfortunately once the team's been selected, you can't just go and bump someone else who earned their spot either.

I dunno, something just seems plain wrong here.

[Derek Maffett]

That #3 position wasn't exactly a done deal, so I'm not terribly surprised that we didn't get it. It stinks, but it happens.

I'd hate to be Casey right now, though... that's gotta hurt.

[Derek Franks]

http://www.usocpressbox.org/usoc/pre...by%20SPORT.pdf
WFS

Looks like only 2 men were registered for Beijing...

[Greg Everett]

This is an ongoing issue. Basically we were told the men were competing for 3 slots at trials. Casey earned that 3rd slot. Afterward, that 3rd spot was never made official. So USAW, IWF, IOC and OSOC are all arguing about what's going on, and it's bull**** because Casey lifted to make a total for that 3rd position; had we known there were only 2, his strategy at trials may have been different. We're still hoping it gets worked out, particularly considering all the openings after the entire Bulgarian and Greek teams getting booted, and Mutlu and Rezazadeh withdrawing.

[Becca Borawski]

Originally Posted by Matt DeMinico

I'm sorry, but something seems horribly wrong here. And unfortunately once the team's been selected, you can't just go and bump someone else who earned their spot either.

Unless you're Matt Lindland -- his dispute over the Olympic wrestling team spots nearly went to the Supreme Court and he managed to get the spot he felt he deserved over the guy the USOC was trying to put in.

[Matt DeMinico]

Originally Posted by Greg Everett

This is an ongoing issue. Basically we were told the men were competing for 3 slots at trials. Casey earned that 3rd slot. Afterward, that 3rd spot was never made official. So USAW, IWF, IOC and OSOC are all arguing about what's going on, and it's bull**** because Casey lifted to make a total for that 3rd position; had we known there were only 2, his strategy at trials may have been different. We're still hoping it gets worked out, particularly considering all the openings after the entire Bulgarian and Greek teams getting booted, and Mutlu and Rezazadeh withdrawing.

Rezazadeh withdrew? I didn't know that. {off to Google to find out what happened}

Honestly, I can't see why each country isn't allowed to submit at least one lifter in every weight class, as long as they make a certain minimum lift (maybe 80% or 85% of the average podium).

And I still can't get over the thought that Casey is responsible for us even having 2 spots, let alone a chance at a 3rd spot, and they didn't make sure he gets at least one of the top 2 spots due to his record in international competition.

[Kevin Mueller]

I'll save you the trouble:

Iran weightlifting legend pulls out of Olympics (wfs)

[Matthew Vassallo]

Originally Posted by Kevin Mueller

I'll save you the trouble:

Iran weightlifting legend pulls out of Olympics (wfs)

wow that's crazy. and what's this about the turks and greeks also?? So taner sagir probably wont' be defending his medal either?

[Jason M Struck]

all the women's gymnastics team alternates were denied Visas to enter China, so only our first string is allowed into the country right now.

[Tate Rivera]

Originally Posted by Greg Everett

and Rezazadeh withdrawing.

Man, that is disappointing, I was looking forward to watching him lift. I have watched his two previous olympics on youtube and they were very impressive. and kevin, thanks for posting that link.

That really does suck that Casey didn't make it!!