Arbitrator rules in favor of USA Diving

A lengthy hearing was held before an arbitrator in Los Angeles on Friday. The arbitrator was considering the complaint filed by Laura Wilkinson and Jessica Livingston against USA Diving and the U.S. Olympic Committee.

In a strong ruling, the arbitrator held in favor of USA Diving and its selection of Mary Beth Dunnichay and Haley Ishimatsu as the USA’s women’s synchronized 10-meter team for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Statement from CEO Debbie Hesse

“The selection procedures were reviewed in great detail by our organization and the United States Olympic Committee, and after a thorough review were approved by both organizations. All USA Diving athletes and coaches have been aware of these selection procedures and criteria for more than a year and half. In addition, a United States Olympic Committee representative was present during the selectors’ discussions.

“USA Diving has a strong and long history of Olympic success and supporting athletes’ rights.

“USA Diving is extremely pleased by the arbitrator’s decision supporting our selection procedures, the process and the selectors’ decision. We hope our athletes and coaches can move past this and form a strongly- bonded team at the Olympic Games.”

Background information

USA Diving selected its synchronized diving teams for the U.S. Olympic Team following a selection camp in Knoxville, Tenn. Teams were asked to perform four lists of dives, although a final score was not the sole determining factor in selecting athletes to the team. Divers were evaluated on a number of factors, including average scores, best list scores, projected competition scores, degree of difficulty and past performances.

The teams of Wilkinson/Livingston and Dunnichay/Ishimatsu split the four lists at the camp. Dunnichay/Ishimatsu had the highest single-list score at 346.98 and had the higher projected competition score. Wilkinson/Livingston had a higher average score (329.88-327.22).

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