On request of Steffen Peters the USEF has given this combination a wild card for the WEG. Reason for this is that Steffen lives on the westcoast of the USA and the selection trials are at the east coast (Gladstone, New Jersey), which would have delivered too much logistical problems. Conform page 816627 annex 243 sub 256 from the USEF selection handbook for the WEG the USEF has rewarded Steffen and Ravel (v. Contango) with the fourth startingslot.

I guess it's the animal kingdom all over again.... where some animals are created more equal than others.

Don't get me wrong - I like Steffen and Ravel - but I also think they should have to live by the same rules as everybody else. It's just as far for the other competitors that have to travel from the West Coast to the East Coast.

Maybe the USEF should have the golf people write their rules - they will give you a free pass if you won the previous year.

Tsk, tsk, oh ye of little faith.

I quote from the press release:

<< "If named to the Short List/Nominated Entry Steffen plans to attend the mandatory training session which begins on September 4," USEF released in an official statement. "The Short List/Nominated Entry will be announced following the Selection Trial which ends August 15. The Definite Team will be announced on or about August 21, 2010." >>

First of all, Steffen is only an IF right now, as he still has to go to the mandatory training session (cough cough).

But I want someone smarter than me to explain how the Definite Team will be announced on or about August 21st, but the Short List (which SFAIK is up to 8 combinations) have to attend the mandatory training session which starts September 4th.