Diego Estrada

I have a problem with him representing Mexico in world competition and also racing for us championships. I am not criticizing him personally. He is an awesome runner. And he was an awesome NCAA runner. Perhaps the system is flawed. But a runner should not be able to compete for two different countries in the context of nationals and world championships.

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Diego ran a terrific race and deserved the win against the competition! No argument! But this comment does beg the question about the ultimate meaning and significance of "National Championships". If Legat for example went back to Kenya and won their National 5K Championship how would that victory be received?

I'm personally happy to see Diego compete wherever and whenever he likes but if one is going to call it a "National Championship" does one then need to be exclusively that "Nationality" properly with paperwork or from birth? If it doesn't really matter, then why title it as such? Just call it - "2014 5K Champions Race". - fine!

The whole concept of "Nationality" in the 21 century needs to be called into question at all societal levels actually. But in fairness, the selection of National Team Members should be subject to some basic ground rules, otherwise anyone will find a loophole to capitalize on and bump others out of a fair chance. It's not racist or bigoted to talk about these issues. I have no definitive answers to some of these questions but greater clarity should be evident before such "Championships" are implemented.

He can do what he wants wrote:

telecran wrote:

Frankly if I had dual citizenship and had the option to compete in the olympics for one country but probably wasn't good enough to compete for the other, I would do the olympics in a heartbeat. Don't understand people who bash him for taking advantage of an incredible opportunity.

Yeah what's this thread about anyway.

What he decides to do is his choice.

You two are both showing a lack of understanding of the entire situation, as with most people commenting on this thread.

Fact 1. Estrada was given faulty information in 2012, the year he became a US citizen. The IAAF rule that was implemented in March 2012 said a naturalized citizen must sit out a full year from international competition.

Fact 2. The year long probation included the 2012 US olympic trails in June. Making it logistically impossible for Diego to even try out for the US team.

Fact 3. Diego was eligible to represent Mexico at the Olympics.

Fact 4. The Legal Affairs office found an error in the their ruling about Diegos one year probation. Unfortunately, after Diego had finalized his Olympic situation with Mexico.

You all have the IAAF and USATF to thank for your myopic comments. Keep 'em coming.