A dual qualification system of entry standards and world rankings is in place for the 2020 Olympics

The GB selection policies for both the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been published by British Athletics.

There is a dual qualification system in place for the Olympic Games athletics, taking place from July 31 to August 9, while Paralympic Games team selection will be conducted in two waves ahead of the athletics action to be held from August 28 to September 6.

As reported in March, both entry standards and the new IAAF world ranking system will determine which athletes are eligible for selection to the Olympic Games.

The IAAF had initially intended to also use the new world rankings system to qualify athletes for this year’s World Championships in Doha but later decided to continue to use entry standards while the period of consultation for the new system was extended.

READ MORE: Dual qualification system for Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Under the new qualification process, athletes can qualify for the 2020 Olympics by either achieving the relevant entry standard within the respective qualification period, or by virtue of their IAAF world ranking position in the selected event at the end of the respective qualification period.

British Athletics’ standards match the IAAF’s and the GB qualification periods are as follows:
Marathon: January 1, 2019 to April 26, 2020
50km race walk: January 1, 2019 to the day of the trial in spring 2020 (exact date to be confirmed)
10,000m, 20km race walk and combined events: January 1, 2019 to June 21, 2020
All other events: May 1, 2019 to June 21, 2020

The entry standards can be found listed here.

“British Athletics’ strategic aim is to ‘win more medals in more events in Tokyo 2020 and beyond’,” reads the national governing body’s selection policy document in part.

“The policy will reflect the strategic aim and will be structured in line with the 2017-2024 selection philosophy to select athletes capable of winning medals and maximising top eight placings at the Games.”

It adds in part: “For the avoidance of doubt, if an athlete has not achieved a qualification standard but receives an IAAF invitation based on world ranking, this does not guarantee selection. Athletes without a qualification standard but in receipt of an IAAF invitation will only be selected as summarised above (full details in selection policy document downloadable here), and on the basis of the performance director’s discretion.”

READ MORE: Tokyo 2020 Olympic medals unveiled with one year to go

The main track and field trials event for the Olympic Games will be the British Championships on June 20-21, taking place in Manchester’s Sportcity for the first time since 2007.

Recent years have seen the national championships staged at the Alexander Stadium but the Birmingham venue is undergoing redevelopment ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The two waves of Paralympic Games team selections are set to take place on June 22 and July 20, 2020.

The full British Athletics selection policy document for the Olympic Games can be downloaded here, while the selection policy document for the Paralympic Games is here.

Links to ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ documents for both events can be found here.