Well the official selection criteria are out by SAA.

Download: 25th SEA Games Selection Criteria Downloaded 97 times

Here’s the highlighted part below.

• There will be no qualifying trials for this national team event.
• The qualifying period to achieve the selection standards is between August 1st 2008 and August 2nd 2009. Only athletes that have met the standard will be eligible for selection. Exceptions – 10,000m and Marathon.
• To select the most competitive athletes who are prepared to achieve 3rd place or higher at the SEA Games.
• Team Goal: to improve upon the performance of the 2007 team in:
  a. Number of medals: 1 gold, 1 bronze
  b. Number of top 5 finishers: 4
  c. Number of top 8 finishers: 6

Click here for the previous 2005 & 2007 selection criteria.

SEA GAMES SELECTION STANDARDS

So far only James Wong, who has came out of retirement has automatically ‘qualified’ for the SEA Games if based on his recent 2nd All-Comers discus throw of 47.55m. The 2007 SEA Games winner throw was 54.13m by Sawasdee Wansawang FYI.

I can’t recall of any of our other athletes who has equaled or bettered the previous SEA Games 3rd place best finish. I stand corrected.