Woodlands Dive Team duo loses bid to compete

Arbitrator rejects appeal, supports selection process By DAVID BARRON An arbitrator ruled Saturday against Woodlands Dive Team members Jessica Livingston and Laura Wilkinson in their complaint against USA Diving's Olympic team selection procedures, clearing the way for teenagers Haley Ishimatsu and Mary Beth Dunnichay to represent the United States at the Beijing Games in 10-meter synchronized platform diving. Livingston and Wilkinson, in a complaint filed through the American Arbitration Association in accordance with U.S. Olympic Committee guidelines, said a USA Diving selection committee failed to follow its guidelines in selecting Ishimatsu and Dunnichay and that the federation's policies were flawed. But arbitrator Maidie Oliveau, who heard 11 hours of testimony Friday, upheld the federation's decision in a four-page... [read full story]