Tobin's announcement as the New Zealand representative caused controversy over the selection criteria, and now Ashley is considering whether to retire or bid to make it to Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

''I've got no interest in trying to fight it,'' Ashley said.

''I don't think it would be good for anyone.

"I respect their decision and I respect the people involved, it just wouldn't be fair.''

With heavy weighting placed on their performance at the World Championships in Perth as well as the pre-Olympic regatta in Weymouth earlier this year, Ashley suspects this was why he did not make it to London.

Tobin, 24, finished ahead of Ashley in Perth, and the 27-year-old said that it was not "100 per cent unexpected" that he would miss out after his performance, though he could also count himself unlucky as he has suffered with injury this year.

''You never know exactly what the selectors are thinking,'' he added.

''In the end it's not 100 per cent dependable on results but obviously you want to beat the other guy, and I didn't.'

''They obviously thought long and hard about it and they wouldn't take a decision lightly.

"They've sent the person they think is best and that's good enough.''

Ashley hinted that he could leave sailing now, saying that "we'll see," but added that he would take time to think it over.

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