THE British Olympic Association will today examine whether taekwondo fighter Aaron Cook has been unfairly treated in his controversial omission from the London 2012 Olympic squad.

The Dorchester ace, 21, had been expected to secure the under-80kgs nomination in a four-strong team, having retained his European title in Manchester at the start of May.

However, despite receiving the backing of performance director Gary Hall, Cook – who last year decided to quit the British Taekwondo’s World Class Performance Programme and train independently – was overlooked in favour of Lutalo Muhammad, who would have to drop down a weight division for the Olympics.

Cook is set to return to the top of the latest world rankings, and yesterday issued a wordy statement in which he declared it “incredible” he would be denied the opportunity to fight for a medal in London, having appealed the original decision which caused the delay of last week’s planned squad announcement in Manchester.

The BOA’s Olympic Qualification Standards panel – which consists of chief executive Andy Hunt, Sir Clive Woodward, deputy chef de mission Mark England and Sarah Winckliss, chairman of the BOA athletes commission – are set to convene today to discus whether they ratify British Taekwondo’s nominations or ask them to look again. A final decision could even end up at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Cook suffered a disappointing World Champion-ships in Korea last year, where other Olympic hopefuls Sarah Stevenson, Jade Jones and Martin Stamper all delivered medals.

The 20-year-old feels that decision may well have influenced the final selection process.

In a statement on profsports.com, Cook said: “I have written to the British Olympic Association to review the decision of British Taekwondo to recommend me as first reserve for the London Olympic Games this summer.

“I first heard of the decision not to select me on May 11. I could not believe what I read.

“I have followed the appeal process of British Taekwondo and, as has been documented in the British media, made an appeal to Sports Resolution Ltd, which was my right under the selection policy of British Taekwondo.

“This has cost me a significant amount of money. I cannot discuss the findings of this appeal for legal reasons.

“Suffice to say that the letter I received from British Taekwondo following their second selection meeting confirmed that I had not been selected again. I now have no option but to request that the BOA review the selection.

“I find it incredible as the world number one in my sport, I may not participate in the Games due to the “opinion” of a committee who – as reported in the British media – have apparently voted against the performance director, who is reported to have voted for me at both selection meetings.

“This is my whole life. I will continue to train for the London Olympics until the BOA announce the selected athletes in taekwondo for Team GB.”