Published August 5, 2012 08:08PM
Simon Whitfield Blasts Management Of Teammate Findlay's Injury
The two-time Olympic medalist says Findlay's former coach, advisor and doctor need to accept responsibility.
Photo: Delly Carr/Triathlon.org
Canada’s Simon Whitfield, who will compete in his fourth Olympics on Tuesday, had strong words following Paula Findlay’s disappointing Olympic race.
Simon Whitfield is standing up for teammate Paula Findlay at the Olympics.
Whitfield is critical of how Findlay’s hip injury was handled heading into the women’s triathlon race Saturday.
Findlay crossed the line in 52nd, in tears and apologizing to Canadians for her performance.
Findlay was a gold-medal favorite until injuring her hip just over a year ago.
Whitfield says the staff around Findlay should be held accountable for mishandling that injury and Findlay’s preparation in the months leading up to the Games.
“She’s not a wind-up toy that you just send off,” he said Sunday prior to swim training.”
The four-time Olympian and winner of both gold and silver medals during his career singled out Findlay’s coach Patrick Kelly, Own The Podium high performance advisor Debbie Muir and sport science specialist Dr. David Smith.
Read more: Sports.nationalpost.com