If Webb went to college in Kenya and attained Kenyan citizenship, would he be "just as Kenyan" as Kiprop?

If he was as good as he is now, the Kenyans would cheer for him.

i see it differently because America is a country of immigrants while Kenya, i believe, is not.

They were colonized by the Brits like us.

Why would he say "li'l cat?"

So if Webb went to college in Kenya, do you think he would run to school?

Would Kenyan chicks think he is hot?

Can't you just see him chilling around a pot of ugali, shooting the breeze in Swahili?

you're funny!!

Not another thread about this again!!!!

Ok, how about this:

Colleges in Wisconsin / Oregon recruit runners from other state and run for them and get NCAA titles and set state record, has anyone had much objection to it? Not so much on a national scope, there might be some similar reaction from athelets of that state.

Now, going back to non-American born American citizens. They will be well accepted as American and WC championship or AR they set will be accepted as well on the world stage, but there will be certain American argue/debate this to death. What is the point? Why you guys are so narrow minded?

I can think of 2 reasons for this type of reaction:

1. You are a runner that compete at similar level and worried that you will never be able to run better than the non-American born American - Just stop being a pussy and train harder.

2. You are a fan of the above and want to see him/her be the #1. That is your personal view/priority. It will be override the priority of improving running in American as a nation.

Take your pick and shut up.

"Take your pick and shut up."

Wow...so eloquently put...couldn't have said it better.

There are many East Indians in Kenya. I'm not sure how they're perceived, but not all Kenyans are black.

uh, the whole thing about being from different states doesnt really work here.

noone cares if you are from out of state competing for another school.

there is a world of difference between out of state athletes and athletes from another country.

we are all citizens here. who cares?

i don't think he would be supported by the Kenyans. But than again, would their athletics federation even let him compete?

but god forbid you call racism or xenophobia. we all know that is reserved for white people, or americans.

just beacuse someone has citizenship does not mean they will be considered "american" by anyone or everyone.

if you are born in Kenya, you are Kenyan, regardless of where you live. If you were born in Russia, you are Russian, regardless. If you are born in America, you are American, regardless.

You can have citizenship to another country, but your routes are where you were born.

I root for Lagat. I want him to win, and win for my country. I consider him an American citizen, but he is still Kenyan.

There is just as much animosity on the other side of this arguement.

We would be hearing the same thing from Kenyans if Webb moved there, became a citizen, and dominated the event, taking away from "true" Kenyans.

they will just deny it for the sake of the arguement, or to make a point, or just because there is no real way to know.

you want to see someone with roots in your country succeed, someone of your own "blood" to succeed. I'd rather root for someone like that than a "transplant".

my train of thought.....

1. In high school I cheered for the runners in my school who I have known my whole life(or my general area)!...not some knew kid who shows up at our school at mid season (a senior) and wins and becomes top dog. Sure there some repect is there but it is not same thing....The passion is not there for that athlete! There maybe some talk about how good he is but nobody really cares that much because we dont know him that well and probaby never will.

2. If someone went to Footlocker nations I cheered for kid from my state!...not other states!....the nature progress of loyal....that is the way I see it.....I dont hate the kids from other states...I just cheer for my state first....does that make sense?

3. ....especially if I have been following there progress most of my the life!....if some adult comes along and he is better athlete I dont change my loyalty!

4. My loyalty will ALWAYS be for the homegrown athlete! ALWAYS!

Lagat is a great story I guess but I dont give a shit to be honest!....he got his good life, money and rolities here in a America good for him!

I cheer for the kids and adults who I have been following....... who were area grade school champs, HS state champs, college champs, or pros! etc....This progress is nature for me.....I dont understand know other dont understand how this progress of loyalty works!

5. How....If Lagat was to have kids and one is a great runner I have a chance to follow his progress that would be different!....I would cheer for him!....

but the way Lagat went about it sucks!....not becoming American but as a runner and Athlete....as a Athlete he is a taitor!.....

It made me ill watching him carry that American Flag! If I was Kenyan I would be so embarrass.

This is American...we all have choices I choose to cheer for homegrown athletes only!....dont like it....to bad!

if you're such a "true american", whereas lagat obviously isn't, why is your english so crappy?

1) Lagat has a kid.

2) If you are so proud of being an American, learn how to spell.

3) Lagat is a better American than you are.

Yes, I think he would. There is a white Kenyan swimmer, Jason Dunford, who got a couple of golds at the All-Africa games - the media here hyped that guy to no end.

Same to the white & Asian Kenyan tennis players & golfers. Heck, the average Kenyan still cheers enthusiastically for Lagat, Shahee, et al. The general attitude here is a bit more open and welcoming - as soon as most folks here find out that I married a Kenyan they usually give me the "well, then you're one of us." response.

Hypothetical Hal wrote:

"We like your style, li'l cat"

Ha!

Jasper Jones wrote:

Hypothetical Hal wrote:

"We like your style, li'l cat"

Ha!

That shall be his new nickname.

Alan Webb = Li'l Cat

Well, we now know how the illiterate feel in America.As for the rest of us.A traitor? Give me a break... he would be more of a traitor if he didn\'t take American citizenship. He could have just gone on living in the US without taking citzenship... that would be \'using\' the US. What? You think he choose to be a runner from the US because of all the talent here?He has been a part of the US and the US is a big part of who he is. He is proud of that and earned his US citzenship in the process.

Lagat can spell much better than you.

Thank you, Mr. Mzungu, for actually responding to the topic, unlike most everyone else who somehow brought Lagat into it. Lagat isn't even Kenyan; he's American. So I don't see what he has to do with this. I never mentioned Lagat - not once. Kiprop, yes. Kip Keino, affirmative. Lagat, nope. Funny how you're the only one so far unafraid of tackling the question.

However (there's always a "however", isn't there?), I don't think the Caucasian swimmer can be compared to the Caucasian runner (in this case, Webb). Ditto for tennis players and golfers. The Caucasian (i.e., non-Kenyan-born) swimmer/tenniser/golfer isn't really taking anyone's "spot" in Kenya. Well, technically, I suppose they are, but you see the difference. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if that's the new trend: African countries importing world-class swimmers. Another thread for another day, though.

Interesting insight you bring to the table, being married to a Kenyan. May I ask if you live there? If so, would you mind throwing this proposition out there? Just bring up the idea of Webb (Abdi, Buster, whoever...) running for Kenya. See what kind of honest answers you get. I have no idea how the average Kenyan bloke would respond, that's why I'm asking. Thanks again for the input.

He's right, "This is American." I'm much more proud of Lagat than this guy.