The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is set to make a crucial decision regarding Wesley Roberts, a 27-year-old swimmer from the Cook Islands, and his eligibility to compete at the Paris Olympics. This decision comes after World Aquatics rejected Roberts’ application for a universality place in the upcoming games.
World Aquatics has chosen not to comment on the ongoing case, but it is speculated that Roberts’ application was denied due to his participation in two previous Olympics, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021. In 2022, new rules were introduced stating that universality swimmers are limited to two Olympics and must be under the age of 30 by December 31, 2024. These changes aim to prioritize the development of young talents within each country who have the potential to achieve Olympic qualifying times.
The hearing on Roberts’ eligibility will be overseen by CAS arbitrator Kristen Thorsness, a former U.S. Olympic rowing champion from the 1984 Los Angeles games. The swimming events at the Paris Olympics are scheduled to begin on Saturday.
In April, World Aquatics removed the requirement for universality swimmers to have participated in the 2023 or 2024 World Championships to be eligible. However, this rule adjustment would not have affected Roberts as he has competed in the last three World Championships.
Roberts made his Olympic debut in Rio eight years ago, finishing 44th in the 1500 freestyle event. He secured Cook Islands’ first swimming medal at the Pacific Games in 2019 and placed 37th in both the 200 free and 400 free events at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Despite contemplating retirement in 2022, Roberts rediscovered his passion for swimming and continued to compete. He achieved various rankings in different events at the World Championships in 2022 and 2023. Roberts currently holds national records in several freestyle events, the 50 butterfly, and the 200 IM. The Cook Islands, located in the South Pacific Ocean, have been his home and training ground.
As the decision from CAS looms, Roberts remains hopeful for the opportunity to represent his country once again on the Olympic stage. His journey and achievements in the sport serve as an inspiration for aspiring swimmers in the Cook Islands and beyond.