start squad

[Stef]

It just shows the people out there who don't get selected for the start squad this time round, that you really really don't need it as long as your commited to your training, have a good coach and a support from the family. You probably will have more of a drive to do well if your not selected because you want to prove the selectors wrong and get as far as you can (well I know thats how Jules felt) and beat those in the start squad.

Jules hasn't been in the start squad for two years and look where she is now, automatically select for JWOC at 16 yrs old (17 in june).

Congrats to everyone from the weekend.

[awk]

It just shows the people out there who don't get selected for the start squad this time round, that you really really don't need it as long as your commited to your training, have a good coach and a support from the family. You probably will have more of a drive to do well

That can also be seen elsewhere in this year's results. In the BOC M/W16 classes (probably the most technically demanding race this year), it was really noticeable that just over half of those achieving top 6 placings (including one champion) were not start squad members, whilst just 2 of the 6 M/W16 Start Squad members managed it. This is no reflection on those in the start squad, who all deserved their places, simply a comment on other issues surrounding Start Squad which were aired in the early postings on this thread (too few selected, too little activity, too much dependence on central government funding) if you're going to have a national squad system for this age.

[Tatty]

Yet another one who has shown the Selectors wrong I can remember a time when GG wasn't selected to go to Glenmore. Mharky finally made the Junior squad as a second year 20 but ran in 2 JWOC's and last year was reserve for WOC. If you take the attitude like all these 3 you can show them that with dedication it can be done