Stance unchanged for dropping Todd

By GEOFF CUMMING and PAUL YANDALL

The two sporting bodies in the spotlight over Mark Todd's Olympic selection remain unmoved by an International Olympic Committee official's suggestion that he could be dropped from the team.

Mike Hooper, secretary-general of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, says the official's comments that Todd could be dropped without proof that he used illegal drugs changed nothing.

IOC technical officer Simon Toulsen told the New Zealand Herald on Wednesday night that Todd could be dropped on the basis that his selection was "against the spirit of the games."

Mr Hooper said the NZOC was aware of its powers and had initiated further action following Todd's refusal to confirm or deny a British tabloid's allegations that he snorted cocaine in an Oxford hotel.

Circulation in New Zealand of further photographs purporting to show Todd's alleged antics have added to the pressure on the NZOC and Eventing New Zealand, which chose Todd in its six-man squad for the Sydney Games.

The organisation was yesterday clearly feeling the glare of publicity, with chairman of selectors Jim Wright suggesting that the media should instead focus on the sport's positive contribution to New Zealand.

Mr Wright, a north Waikato farmer, said the case against Todd was built on "accusations and rumour - I deal only in facts."

He saw no prospect of the selection committee reviewing its decision unless fresh facts came to light.

"Things have taken a very, very sad turn," said Mr Wright, chairman of selectors since 1984 - the year Todd first won Olympic gold.

"Why not think about all that eventing has done for New Zealand? We've had this outstanding run of success. Why keep on knocking ourselves to death?"

Eventing New Zealand chairman Scott Carter said nothing had happened to change its stance.

"We have always said that we would deal with facts. We have named him in our team and our position hasn't changed."

Mr Carter said if the IOC made any representations to Eventing New Zealand "we will obviously consider it."

The organisation earlier this week released a statement pointing out that since 1984 it has "selected and presented professionally managed teams which have delivered medals at every Olympics from Los Angeles to Atlanta."

New Zealand eventing teams had also claimed eight team and individual world championship medals since 1986, the statement said.

Eventing New Zealand is funded largely by membership levies and sponsorship. Teams and individual representatives are eligible for support from national funding agencies, including the Sports Foundation, which yesterday considered applications for the new financial year from dozens of sports.

Todd's No.3 world ranking makes him eligible for high performance funding of up to $50,000 from the foundation, which is due to announce its annual allocations by the end of this month.

Last year, the foundation granted $739,000 to the three equestrian disciplines, which include eventing, dressage and showjumping. Of the total, $25,000 was distributed to individuals.

Meanwhile in Cambridge locals had mixed views about Mark Todd's inclusion in the New Zealand Olympic team, with many who did not want to be quoted saying that he should not take part.

But there was overwhelming support for his return to the Cambridge property he purchased several weeks ago, with everyone spoken to by the Herald saying he would be welcomed back to the community.

Real estate agent Bill Wills, who sold Todd a $1.2 million 60ha Cambridge property earlier this year, said as far as he knew the Todds were still planning to move into the home when they returned to New Zealand.

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