Lagat and the flag

I for one am extremely proud to have Lagat wear a USA jersey in victory. That being said, I think the overall sentiment of American converts is in no way directed at him. I think most American want an some born in the US to succeed. I think part of the problem is our best distance runners are Africans who immigrated to the US. It's like taking the best guy from the other team and calling him your own. I agree that Lagat, Abdirahaman, Khnaouchi, Meb, etc are all Americans, but at the end of the day they are Africans who came to the US. I truly believe some people's comments are not racist, rather a sense of civic pride. I think if Lagat were black but born in the US this would be a non-issue, but the fact is he is not. I am glad to have these guys running for the US but it's just not the same. Do you think Qatar feels a sense of national pride when they have Kenyans run for their nation?? What about Denmark and Wilson Kipketer?? These are just a few examples but it hits home the point that every country wants to be represented by those born and raised there.

America is different though. With few exceptions, just about everyone here is an immigrant or a descendant of an immigrant. Given the incontravertible fact that he was not born here, Lagat has done everything a man can do to be an American. And that's all you can ask of anyone. He wanted to be here very badly. You can't say the same of most people.

I agree with the above poster, regarding this issue. Lagat, while NOW American, was raised and trained in the Kenyan system for most of his life.

I think the whole 'pro-native' argument refers to the fact that it'd be great to have someone who was raised and developed in the USATF system win a distance medal. I don't think it's a racist issue, as some people imply.

Lagat is a f#*%ing traitor!

psycholist wrote:

I agree with the above poster, regarding this issue. Lagat, while NOW American, was raised and trained in the Kenyan system for most of his life.

Lagat was not trained in the Kenyan system for most of his life. He was primarily trained as a distance runner in the UNITED STATES. He came here in 96 and ran at Wash St. He has been trained by the same coach ever since then. and when he came to the US, he was not any kind of world beater. He developed HERE.

I have heard that Lagat occasionally reads this message board. I think this thread is a fine place to post congratulations to him.

Bernard, way to represent today! You have brought pride to the United States of America. You've also got some nice hardware for yourself, and a page in the history books. Keep up the good work and good luck in the 5K! And next year in Beijing too.

What if Meb had as an American citizen, not chose to run for the US in 2004 and won his medal and ran around the stadium after the race with another flag? All of you here would have spoke badly of him. This is the same thing. Legat did the same thing in 2004, yet you kiss his a$$ now.

Sadly, every runner, great, good, bad, or otherwise, is ripped to shreds on this message board. The ripping of Kara Goucher was uncalled for -- I am not sure why Wejo starts a message board and doesn't monitor it -- Webb has been brutalized here, as has Lagat, Pre, Ryan Hall, Gabe Jennings, Lindgren, Billy Mills, El G, Geb, Coe, Cram, Ovett, Rono, etc., no one is perfect for the so-called great message board posters, who couldn't hang for more than one lap with those greats. They're cowards.

Great job Lagat, way to go!

Yeah, but Lagat represents what an American really is. It has nothing to do with where you are born. I'm sorry.

His story accurately reflects our best and most readily identifiable cultural aspects.

Lagat was not allowed to compete for the US in 2004! What should he have done? Sit at home and watch? He's the 2nd fastest of all time in the event. He took silver to the fastest of all time. That was an AMAZING race to watch. I was screaming at the top of my lungs watching that finish! One of the greatest races I've ever seen. Should Lagat have not run in those olympic games because of some stupid ass rule made by some fat guys wearing suits? NO. You would have done the same - run for the birth country - if you were in the same situation.

Go Lagat! I've always been a supporter of immigrant runners representing our country. In fact, I think its one of the most patriotic things an immigrant can do. It's tough enough for a person to essentially give up their citizenship (can you give a me a reason why you'd give up yours).

Yea, you can give me the entire American bravado speach about "why would i do that, america is the greatest country on earth!", but i think its funny that we automatically assume that everyone else on the planet thinks the same way we do. I'm sure Bernard is proud to be a kenyan, but he found his home, family, wealth, and betterment of life in America and choose to drop his kenyan citizenship to declare himself loyal to the United States. Take running out of it. To me, thats a pretty special thing in itself. The fact that he's a gifted athlete with the ability to represent his new country and give us all praise by racing for us and winning AGAINST his old countrymen is a testiment to his character, integrity, and loyalty to his adopted country.

Great Job Bernard! You made your country proud!

Way to go Lagat! I was rooting for you! Lots of bronze, lots of silver, now finally gold!

LetsRun often suprises me, often it is how mean-spirited some people can be when discussing events and politics (and spelling and grammar ;-) ). Other times, like when reading this thread, I am happily suprised in the supportive nature that is demonstrated (and the intelligent way opinions are discussed).

For whoever said it took him too long to receive a flag. Guess who he received it from?

Abdi.

Abdi was going crazy after Lagat won. It was pretty neat to watch. Thought you guys would want to know

Fpr Those That Care wrote:

Abdi was going crazy after Lagat won. It was pretty neat to watch. Thought you guys would want to know

Thanks for passing that along - I wish I could have seen it.

It's really cool to see a classy guy run a great race and then get (gasp!) kudos for it on this board.

kenyan wrote:

Lagat is a f#*%ing traitor!

Bernard's love and acceptance of the country that HAS given him many opportunities, and treated him well is nothing other than a direct act of Benedict Arnold-ism. You are completely correct, how dare he want a better life in a different place for himself? How dare a great man want to have a life that he decides upon?

I was mildly suprised, I thought there'd be more arguing and bickering. Probably says that much more as to the type of person he is that there isn't much arguing. I'd say that I hope he goes out and has a beer, but he's still got some more racing to do. When this season's over though, I think our milers can sit back and congratulate themselves.

I've never understood why athletes like Lagat or Kannouchi are criticized for running for the US after going through the arduous citizenship process. You have to jump through a lot of hoops to become an American. Nobody does it for convenience.

Ironically I've never seen criticism of someone like Felix Sanchez or Bayano Kamani who run for foreign countries even though they are born and raised Americans, and still retain US citizenship.

Looks like he was DISPLAYING the flag, that alone is a nice change of pace. It really annoys me when you see an athlete draping the flag over them as if it was some sort of towel or warm-up jacket.