Disappointment over new Commonwealth Games standards

Athletics reaction to exacting consideration times

The Chairman of the Isle of Man Athletics Association says he's "very disappointed" about the consideration times and distances for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

However, Glen Hamilton turned down the opportunity to be interviewed by Manx Radio about the matter.

There's been plenty of comment about the issue on social media with considerable disquiet being expressed among Manx athletes.

The consideration standards have become much more exacting - for example, a runner wanting to compete in the women's 1500m must do it in under four minutes and nine seconds, eleven seconds quicker than the time for Glasgow 2014.

Running it sub-4.09 would put you in the top ten for the distance in Britain.

Rachael Franklin, who competes at the distance, has branded the change 'absolutely shocking' under a link to the times and distances published on the Isle of Man Athletics Association's Facebook page.

Others have described them as 'ridiculous', 'crazy' and 'mind boggling'.

There is talk on the page of some of the standards being 'imposed' upon the IoMAA by the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association, with the latter reportedly not listening to the former during discussions.