New Zealand were invited to send a swimmer to Rio however SNZ declined to nominate him, or Phillip Ryan or Webby, who were 34th and 31st respectively in Portugal.
SNZ selectors were not satisfied there was sufficient evidence they were capable of achieving a top 16 placing in Rio, with the potential for a top eight finish, as required by the New Zealand Olympic Committee.
Radford has received much support - most recently from a Givealittle page entitled 'Appeal to get to the 2016 Olympics in Rio,'. It was created by family friend and local Teresa McMenamin whose son Matthew went through St Mary's Catholic School and John Paul College with Radford.
Donations will go towards the legal fees for the current appeal process and since Wednesday the page has raised more than $1000 from 12 donors.
"I was so gutted for him. I've known Kane since he was 5 and it has always been his dream. He has given everything to this. I remember he would leave birthday parties and fun events early because he had to train," McMenamin said.
"Kane has focused and trained and committed himself to swimming to represent his country at the Olympics.
"He meet the qualification standard after years of hard work but Swimming New Zealand have decided not to nominate him to compete. It seems a silly decision to make.
"Kane is passionate about swimming and his country and he has trained for years to qualify and live this dream. I'm sure he would raise his level even further if he was in the water at the Olympics."
Radford posted an emotional response on his public Facebook page yesterday.
"A very dear family friend was wanting to help and has created this - I am speechless with appreciation," he said.
"I would just like to say, once again, just how overwhelmed and grateful I am. I'm personally really touched by all the comments."
A Facebook group has also been set up by Mount Manganui resident Karen Wagstaff entitled: 'Let's get Kane Radford and Charlotte Webby selected for Rio 2016'.
Wagstaff, who was previously involved with the Mount Maunganui Swimming and Otumoetai Swimming said she set up the page after being "outraged" and "worried" about the SNZ decision.
"It was grossly unfair and I couldn't just sit there and do nothing on hearing the news. I have never felt more passionate about anything in my life," she said.
"You have two outstanding swimmers who are the best ambassadors for open water in New Zealand Swimming and they aren't supported from the national swimming body.
"It just doesn't make any sense to me. Surely their country should be proud of their achievement?
"They are an inspiration and a lot of young athletes look up to them but this decision doesn't give me a lot hope for the future of the sport."
An online petition requesting SNZ overturn its decision has more than 3700 signatures.
