then it's settled. He'd already spent his formative years ingratiated in the ways of Puerto Rican values, culture, song, dance, food you name it. It made no sense to choose the US over PR, end of.
then it's settled. He'd already spent his formative years ingratiated in the ways of Puerto Rican values, culture, song, dance, food you name it. It made no sense to choose the US over PR, end of.
First, I am so happy for Arroyo and what he brings to the table for Puerto Rico in the middle distances!! His performances have been amazing and I personally can't wait to see him develop in college.
Now to the point in hand.......very few of you know how hard of a decision it is to represent your native country or your current country. I have been blessed to represent the US in two Olympics and do not regret it one bit. My heart is in my island and I always wanted to represent where my parents came from. I had a chance and took it at the end of my career and it was a very emotional time for me. For ANY of you to call this young athlete out and question the loyalty of his natural born citizenship makes me sad that we have "fans" like this in our sport. There are so many athletes that come to the US and develop then with no political agenda, represent their native countries. I personally took the hard road and chose to race Mark Everett, Johnny Gray and the crew......it was my personal choice. I thank the true fans here and in Puerto Rico who supported me with my decisions and goals. I will support and be proud of Arroyo while he's at UF and whichever country he represents.
Arroyo solos a 9:01.04 today at the Embry Riddle Spikes Classic. Impressive considering the wind on the back stretch and the fact that he ran 1:47 just 2 days earlier.
great to hear from a legend like yourself, Jose.
This kid Arroyo, whether running for the U.S. or a U.S. territory, is going to hit some incredible times against stronger competition this year if he has not peaked too soon. In Florida, you almost have to get this stuff out early before the weather turns, but he'll get some national shots later on in good weather. Sub-4's definite and he has a great shot with those wheels and that endurance to break 3:50 some day.
Jose Parrilla wrote:
First, I am so happy for Arroyo and what he brings to the table for Puerto Rico in the middle distances!! His performances have been amazing and I personally can't wait to see him develop in college.
Now to the point in hand.......very few of you know how hard of a decision it is to represent your native country or your current country. I have been blessed to represent the US in two Olympics and do not regret it one bit. My heart is in my island and I always wanted to represent where my parents came from. I had a chance and took it at the end of my career and it was a very emotional time for me. For ANY of you to call this young athlete out and question the loyalty of his natural born citizenship makes me sad that we have "fans" like this in our sport. There are so many athletes that come to the US and develop then with no political agenda, represent their native countries. I personally took the hard road and chose to race Mark Everett, Johnny Gray and the crew......it was my personal choice. I thank the true fans here and in Puerto Rico who supported me with my decisions and goals. I will support and be proud of Arroyo while he's at UF and whichever country he represents.
Awesome. Thanks for speaking up. :)
Just watched the videos of the 1:47 and 4:04. Rarely do you see high schoolers attack the clock like this kid and push himself without competition. In the lead from the gun. 58 and 1:58 by himself in the first 800 of the 4:04 1600.
In a race where he can get pulled along to 2:58-9 at 1200 he will certainly get under 4:00 for the mile. I would love to see him do it in a high school race. I think he could solo a 3:59 which would be legendary.
Jose Parrilla wrote:
First, I am so happy for Arroyo and what he brings to the table for Puerto Rico in the middle distances!! His performances have been amazing and I personally can't wait to see him develop in college.
Now to the point in hand.......very few of you know how hard of a decision it is to represent your native country or your current country. I have been blessed to represent the US in two Olympics and do not regret it one bit. My heart is in my island and I always wanted to represent where my parents came from. I had a chance and took it at the end of my career and it was a very emotional time for me. For ANY of you to call this young athlete out and question the loyalty of his natural born citizenship makes me sad that we have "fans" like this in our sport. There are so many athletes that come to the US and develop then with no political agenda, represent their native countries. I personally took the hard road and chose to race Mark Everett, Johnny Gray and the crew......it was my personal choice. I thank the true fans here and in Puerto Rico who supported me with my decisions and goals. I will support and be proud of Arroyo while he's at UF and whichever country he represents.
I am a fan and like yourself, a former coach and athlete as well. I see things differently than you do; I am a proud American, perhaps that's why I see things as I do. I guess in the end, each athlete has to do what compels them and when you have the pull of your parents and cultural heritage, for a young man it become matter of going with your heart...but that does not make it right. As an American, I would not want an athlete to represent us who simply wears a USA singlet in competitions. - Btw, this not a personal attack on this young man, I simply disagree with his decision. Being that he has only been in this country a couple years makes his decision a little more understandable, but I still don't like it.
Jose-Great to hear from you, loved to watch you run.
My friends and I were wondering how tall you are and what your pant inseam is. You looked like a short guy with short legs.
I thought you were Panamanian
Arroyo runs 8:51.47 today at the Brian Jaeger Elite Classic in Orlando. First mile 4:20! Results on elitetiming.net/results