Scathing response to Cook's omission

World number one Aaron Cook's failure to secure nomination for this summer's Olympics has provoked a scathing response from his management company.

After a two-day review of the selection process the British Olympic Association decided to ratify Great Britain Taekwondo's choice of Lutalo Muhammad in the under-80kg division. It means Cook, who will consider over the weekend whether to pursue legal action, will not take part at London 2012.

"Aaron is naturally incredibly disappointed with the BOA decision," said a statement from the 21-year-old's management company.

"It is an absolute disgrace that a British world number one has not been selected for the London Olympics by either his governing body or Olympic Association. The STUK Taekwondo selectors should be ashamed of themselves."

Cook left the GB Taekwondo set-up a year ago to work outside the programme and his supporters have always felt this has worked against him.

"Since Aaron's departure from their club the results are plain for everyone to see," added the statement.

"But Aaron's results with his new team have not been good enough to justify his selection. Yet he is world number one, European champion and has beaten 10 of the top 15 athletes in the Olympic rankings in his most recent fights.

"What more could Aaron have done? Is the message that if you fund yourself and do not take Lottery funding then you cannot participate in the Olympic Games? UK Sport needs to ask and be asked some serious questions.

"We urge the World Taekwondo Federation to consider the ramifications of this flawed decision for their great sport.

"It makes a mockery of the taekwondo -80kg competition in the London Olympics."