New Zealand has not been represented by a male marathon runner in the Olympic Games since 2004. London-based New Zealand marathon runner Paul Martelletti has filed Sports Tribunal proceedings against Athletics New Zealand and the New Zealand Olympic Committee following his exclusion from the team last week. To qualify for Rio, marathon runners must complete a time of 2:19 under IAAF standards. "The overall test in New Zealand is whether Mr Martelletti is capable of a top 16 placing. Despite being ill when competing in the recent London marathon, Mr Martelletti completed in 2:17:26, finishing in 21st place overall, indicating that a time of under 2:14 was likely to be achieved.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 17, 2016 02:48 UTC