Aussie coach questions rules after Wisil beats Breen

CANBERRA: The rules that determine Australia’s national athletics champion have been called into question after Canberra sprinter Melissa Breen finished with silver despite being the fastest Australian in the race.
Breen was beaten in the women’s 100-metre final at the Australian Athletics Championships by Queensland-based Papua New Guinean sprinter Toea Wisil last Saturday.
Athletics Australia’s rules state national titles are open to all athletes living in Australia, who have been registered with an association for at least two seasons.
Breen’s coach Matt Beckenham voiced his displeasure on Twitter, questioning how the first Australian across the line could miss out on the national championship.
Beckenham said while Wisil was a “deserving winner”, the “rule defies common sense” and called for a review of the process.
The former Olympian said the rule robs Australian athletes of medals “they deserve” and added international competitors should be acknowledged but they shouldn’t deprive locals of medals.
Athletics Australia tweeted Wisil had finished “seconds ahead” of second-placed Breen. Wisil was only 0.22 seconds clear after running 11.42.
Wisil also beat Breen at the Canberra Grand Prix last month, confirming her status as one of the best sprinters in the country. – The Canberra Times