Wednesday 29 June 2016 12:54, UK
British track sprinter Jess Varnish will not appeal against her non-selection for the Rio Olympics, saying it would be a "pointless process".
Varnish was controversially dropped from the Olympic programme in April, shortly after she and Katy Marchant failed to qualify for this summer's Games in the women's team sprint at the World Championships in March.
In the aftermath of that disappointment, the 25-year-old was critical of British Cycling's selections over the two-year qualifying period, and when her contract was not renewed a month later, she voiced further criticisms of the programme that ultimately resulted in technical director Shane Sutton's resignation.
British Cycling confirmed its 26-strong team for Rio last week, with a mountain biker still to be added, and said disappointed riders who were not receiving funding would be allowed to go through the same appeals process as funded riders.
However, in a statement released on Wednesday, Varnish said: "I've shared this procedure with a legal expert and the British Athletes Commission, and I'm sad to report that it isn't new.
"Nothing has changed to the other appeals procedures I've been through. It is heavily weighted in favour of British Cycling, puts significant financial risk on the athlete and ultimately comes down to selectors' discretion.
"It's pretty plain to see that selectors' discretion would not be in my favour and appealing would be a pointless process.
"It's sad that an organisation that once prided itself on fact and data, now picks and chooses riders on discretion. I know I'm not the only rider to feel like this."
Varnish insisted that she would continue to pursue her cycling career.
She added: "I'm feeling really excited about my future. I am certainly not giving up on my dream of continuing to compete as a professional athlete.
"I will compete for Great Britain again, I'm not too old, I have the desire to win and I'll be back."
