Snowsill doubtful for Mooloolaba, Sydney
The Australian Associated Press reported today that three-time ITU World Champion and defending Olympic champion Emma Snowsill contracted a stomach bug Wednesday which puts her participation in this weekend’s Mooloolaba World Cup in doubt and increases pressure on her campaign to make the Australian 2012 Olympic squad for London.
The AAP reported today that Snowsill insisted she would start the Mooloolaba World Cup Sunday – her first event of the year and the next to last qualifying event which Australian selectors will use to determine the final two women’s triathlon slots for London.
If Snowsill pulls out, AAP reported, her last chance to make her country’s team will hinge entirely on the results of the Sydney round of the ITU World Championship series on April 14.
Triathlon Australian national coach Shaun Stephens told AAP that if there are any lingering ill effects, he would strongly encourage her to pass up Mooloolaba and put all her chips on Sydney.
“She is still saying she is going to race but … if there is any question about it, we will encourage her to withdraw and get ready for Sydney which is a lot more important," said Stephens.
So far, two-time ITU World Champion Emma Moffatt has earned the first spot on the Australian women's Olympic triathlon team and a host of talented Aussie women are focused on earning the final two spots with performances at Mooloolaba and Sydney.
Losing much of the past year to illness, Snowsill won no World Championship Series or World Cup events in 2011 – the first time since 2002.
Former Under-23 World Champion Emma Jackson was on the verge of earning the second 2012 Australian Olympic spot after placing fourth and top Australian woman in the World Championship Series last year, then earning the Oceania title in Tasmania in February.
Other top Australian women contenders for the Olympic slots are Ashleigh Gentle, 2008 Olympian Erin Densham, and Felicity Abrams.
After overnight flooding on the Sunshine Coast course, organizers said the race would go on.
