He represents everything thats wrong with athletics:
1. He doesn't live in Bahrain
2. Can't speak Arabic
3. Is NOT a muslim, he's Catholic.
4. He's sold out his birth name and country for a few bucks.
Same goes for Stephen Cherono aka Shaheen, and Nicholas bloody Kemboi. No self respect at all.
Money talks
He wouldn't have been in Berlin if he hadn't switched citizenship (choge, kiproppy, and Keitany would've been selected anyway).
In my mind he represents all that is right with athletics.
You were correct till No. 4.
He sold no one out and hes making MORE than a few bucks.
Do you really think a track star is anything different from a scientist, lawyer or other professional who emigrates to better his life?
He is doing whats best for himself and his family, good for him!
I hope Bahrain gives him a bonus for winning the gold.
I understand why these guys do it. The Kenyan Federation f***s with people too much.
And yet you cheer for Lagat?
I keep seeing the Kenyan federation telling their athletes how to train and where to race and kicking people off the team for disobeying.
They have the greatest distance talent base in the world but their athletes that earn medals often represent other countries. Bahrain, Denmark, USA...
It's amazing there are no Kenyans on the 1500m medal stand.
Athletics Kenya is the sell out.
Lagat...
And what does being Catholic have to do with ANYTHING.
He's racing for a Muslim country that required him to adopt a Muslim name. That's what's funny about it.
highschooler wrote:
Lagat...
And what does being Catholic have to do with ANYTHING.
Yes, on a first glance, I would agree with you. But, once you understand the 'politics, underhanded dealings, power trips and plain old corruption' that the Kenyan athlete has to deal with in regards to their Federation; it is more understandable. But, I don't really like it either.
I must say the Baharanianiaian scouting is EXCELLENT!
Ramzi 3.40 runner > Bahrain > World Champion + Olympic champion
Maryam Jamal unknown etiopian > Bahrain > World class
John Yego /Ali/ > Bahrain > World class miler
Gregory > Bahrain > World champion
belal mansoor ali holder of the recored for the worlds oldest youth runner
Curlfries wrote:
And yet you cheer for Lagat?
At least Lagat lives and trains in the US, speaks English, went to college here, and didn't have to change his name ...
Once again Bahrain claims the 1500 as it's own! Ramzi is gone but The Kamel rocks on!
So???
Eugenial wrote:
Curlfries wrote:And yet you cheer for Lagat?
At least Lagat lives and trains in the US, speaks English, went to college here, and didn't have to change his name ...
Is Canova still coaching Kamel? Who are Renato's athletes in this meet?
OK, I found out that Kamel is now coached by Tariq Sabt, husband of Maryam Jamal. But does anyone know of any runners in the World Champs coached by Renato?