European runner might join Bahrain National team citing lack of support from his Federation.

Hopefully all the Mahgrabian dopers competing for Western countries will switch allegiance to Bahrain or Quatar.

It’s Zane Robertson he is NZ European think he has a twin

It's Maghrebian, and Qatar.

What a loser whoever he is, he'll regret the move as soon as we end our dependence on foreign oil.

So you are saying that he can spend 0 days per year in Bahrain?

That is weird if so, but maybe it's how it works w/ regard to athletics specifically, IDK.

Zane has been busted and is currently serving an eight-year ban for EPO use so that would be a non-starter and in addition Zane does not possess a second European passport as far as we know.

A lot of speculation here and the European runner transferring to Bahrain is not a done deal yet and most of us are trying to dissuade him from doing so bearing in mind the possible caveats.

I'm pushing for this guy to join a university program in the United States NCAA Division 1. Better prospects.

They might spend 1-3 days there for contact renewal. Impossible to live and train in Bahrain as high level athletes. Frankly a dismal place to spend any time in.

Best thing about Bahrain is the Bahrain Airport -to fly OUT to other destinations with GULF AIR. During my time in Saudi, 2008-2014, I was a frequent flyer with Gulf Air. It was a decent airline 10 years ago. Not sure, these days. I think Etihad has better services/pricing.

I recommend the Vegetarian Pizza served at Bahrain airport, served by friendly Filipino service workers.

Ghost, since you seem in the know, here’s something I’ve always wondered.

Obviously all the African runners who switch to Qatar or Bahrain always end up changing their name to be more in line with the local culture. Stephen Cherono to Said Shaheen, for example as you mentioned.

Whats up with that? Is that an actual law or just something they make their “purchased” international athletes do? Like, if I naturalized to Bahrain would I have to change my name, since I am old and slow and would never represent any country as an international athlete? Is adopting a local name expected of any person who becomes a citizen? Or is it just for the athletes who are more visible as national representatives?

Not sure, but I think a few non Muslims kept their names, most, though, I think are "encouraged" or told to take Islamic names.

It's a non issue because the name change means nothing when those athletes return to their home countries.

I also have doubts about the previous promise of $1000/pension for life.

If I'm wrong, I stand corrected. Thank you.

By the way Bahrain is a majority Shia Muslim country ruled by a tiny Sunnah minority who hold most/all the control of Bahrain. Any objections to this interesting state of affairs are dealt with not so nicely.

OK, that's interesting re the contract. One to three days isn't much, not really worth considering. So substitute Bahrain for X in my comment.I.e. spend time in the places that their contract may determine... I just hope he looks into it properly, basically what the contract involves.

I have been to countries near Bahrain but not Bahrain itself. I don't think the climate is THAT bad but I would not want to train there for other reasons.

Interesting that you can switch allegiance and not even really enter the country barely.

African runners often don't get the best deal in Bahrain.I'd be very surprised to see a Caucasian runner, 13:20/28:20/1:02:00, sacrificing their future for Bahrain.

The Africans who run for Bahrain are usually/often quite a bit inferior to their A class compatriots.

Look, I have no beef with Bahrain but I think a Euro classy runner going there would suffer long term. There are better deals elsewhere, e.g. Japan although few non Africans there, Jeff Schiebler (13:13/5000) the Canadian, did well, some 15 years ago (sorry can't remember dates for Schiebler).

Btw, Schiebler is now a fireman in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada, near Vancouver. Interesting transition, but monster runners may transition well to become monster firemen. Bravery, guts, strength, etc ... transferrable skills, perhaps. I was surprised though, because Schiebler was short and slim. I assume he bulked up.

Maybe he will go to the US like you mentioned.

theglobeandmail.com

Japanese pulling for Canadian runner

Schiebler will have the support of two countries

Link:www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/japanes...

Schiebler (Canada) was one of the few non African imports to Japan. His base salary was $100,000 + per year, for around 6 months in Japan, including around 8 Ekiden road races for his team.

Schiebler was a 13:13/27:36 guy around 2001, which was pretty good in those days.