Sam Parsons to represent Germany

Droddy & Stinson's Communal Bong wrote:

John Utah wrote:

Why are the Olympics organized by country if you can just switch countries on whim? Why not just eliminate country affiliation and make it an individual event, like golf or tennis? This guy has dual citizenship, true, but there is always some kind of way people can switch. Join the army, marry someone, etc.

Yes, absolutely. It's an antiquated sentiment, yet it's one that is proven to draws eyes to the broadcast and its sponsor corporations. Those who hold the power aren't going to want to change that, they're just going to manage abuses and perception while avoiding the wholesale changes that would be sensible and forward-thinking. People like Parsons, Pappas, Torrance are simply using a deeply flawed system to their advantage. Don't hate the player, hate the game.

I have no complaint with Parsons at all. More power to him. Do what you gotta to. My comments were directed at the system.

Avocado's Number wrote:

No chance Olympian wrote:

Exactly! If most of us are completely honest, then we would admit that we do the same thing if it might give us an opportunity to compete in the Olympics.

I'm not a fan of the nationalism that pervades the Olympics. Nevertheless, I am extremely confident that I would not "do the same thing" -- effectively subordinating without renouncing my U.S. citizenship -- for something so trivial as "an opportunity to compete in the Olympics." (And having spent a good part of my childhood actually living in Greece, I think I have a much more substantial connection to that country than someone whose grandparent happened to have grown up there.) Moreover, in the spirit of being "completely honest," I would almost certainly think less of someone who would make such a choice.

Same, though I don't expect that to be common at all among the current generation. Integrity was brought to the fore to those of us who lived through the Watergate era and by and large has seemingly come to be viewed as something quaint more recently. On the same token, increased distrust of authority also came to the fore at the same time. I can understand the view that one's best hope for success and sanity is to work around broken systems as much as you can and work within them only to the point of personal benefit. It takes something much more to work within flawed systems to achieve broader benefit for others. Or even to stand pat in a flawed system when an easier path presents itself and maintain a laser focus on personal fulfillment that is in no way contingent on extrinsic accolades and rewards. I esteemed and fully enjoyed the spectacle of the Olympics as a youth, somewhere along the line since then I realized the value in entities that lead with integrity and don't routinely abuse authority.

Seems like a cheap Tinman move so that he can claim to have coached "an Olympian"

(and, really, Toolman Elite is a much better name for the group, dont you think?)

Toolman Elite wrote:

Seems like a cheap Tinman move so that he can claim to have coached "an Olympian"

(and, really, Toolman Elite is a much better name for the group, dont you think?)

[heavy sarcasm] oh yes, I’m sure Tinman was the one pushing Sam to compete for Germany so he could coach an Olympian. Sam didn’t figure into it at all! Or make any choice on his own! [/sarcasm]

So compared to the likes of Pappas he actually has ties to the country he runs for and did not just apply for some citizenship once he needed it. I genuinely doubt all of this come simply from an "inspirational" situation as he said in the video.

I just wanted to point out that because his mom is german and she lives there and he always had both nationalities it feels less problematic than those who just change to a random nationality to get on a certain team. That always weirds me out so much. All those East Africans suddenly running for Bahrain and Turkey for example. People just generally seeking out nationalities they have no relation with is problematic. Running for your actual roots seems way more understandable. And as a German I am super excited that he will run for us. We have a bit fewer competition as there is no college system so we have a hard time finding new talent. To go to the olympics he will just have to run the time standard during the year before, or if more than 3 have the standards he has to be in the top 3 fastest. Last olympic cycle that standard was 13:25. No clue what you need in the US to go to the Olympics?

Simple truth wrote:

[quote]SmartMove wrote:

Honestly hate to stoop to this level and have always tried not to be critical of the Kenyan athletes representing the U.S. but it's a smart move. If it weren't for all the Kenyan athletes that have gotten U.S. citizenship he probably would be a contender for an Olympic spot for the U.S.. I'm not trying to be racist or shine a bad light on them like most people do on these boards, but it's just how it is.

Well said! Fair is fair.,

Spoiled little brat ...

Check out the flags on Jordan Gusman's insta.

https://www.instagram.com/jgus1500/?hl=en

In Germany he will put a shirt on.

No. He has limited ties. Only decided to run for Germany once he realized he was good enough to run for USA.

He is basically random changing teams to better his odds. No doubt about it. The family stuff is bs. He wasn’t so close to his german family that he got a passport years before he became decent.

He’s really not that much different than a mercenary

Ossy wrote:

Check out the flags on Jordan Gusman's insta.

https://www.instagram.com/jgus1500/?hl=en

I recognize Australia, what's the other?

Hamboner wrote:

Sam Parsons just announced his decision to represent Germany going forward. Is this another Alexi Pappas or a smart move? Discus

Editor's note. If you are referencing something, it helps if you provide a link. Here is the a video of Parsons announcing his decision.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=86&v=ArbKzYLhPgA

and a blog post where he talks about it. Parsons mom is German and she spoke German to him growing up so he is fluent.

https://www.tinmanelite.com/tin-talks

God Bless Him!

Nice. Happy about a new german talent. Would be extra sweet If He would end up beating some americans at the olympics

More power (and great success) to Sam for embracing this golden opportunity. Running has an emotional component that cannot be denied, and Sam has deeply and intelligently tapped into this, big time. He did not create the system which allows him the opportunity to potentially (there is no guarantee of success!) represent Germany, not the US. It is a long-established reality, and Sam has every right to play by the rules and do what he thinks is right for himself and his family.

I'm also one who sneers at the excessive flag-waving aspect of our sport. Pride in country and all it offers can be wonderful, but pretending that someone who you wouldn't give a dime to is your brother or sister just because he/she, donning a USA singlet, just put in a performance on a world stage is egomaniacal and, for some, self-deceiving. USA! USA! He or she just competed for the US, and you cheered wildly. OK, now forget about the athlete...unless/until a future endeavor by the person offers you another opportunity to wave your flag with boastful arrogance.

I say onward, Sam. I see you as the great athlete you already are (yes, greatness is a relative term), and I look forward to your ongoing battles against the clock, regardless of the design and color of your singlet. If running for Germany affords you the chance to advance beyond what would be possible while running as an American, then I salute you for making a gutsy move - one which was guaranteed to be unpopular with some.

German hobbyjogger wrote:

Nice. Happy about a new german talent. Would be extra sweet If He would end up beating some americans at the olympics

If he could beat America Olympians, he would never have switched.

Who?

John Utah wrote:

If you are good, want to switch, and the country wants you it's a done deal. A way will be found. Don't be silly.

This is the reality of the world and it doesn't just apply to T&F. If you are a world class medical specialist, engineer, computer scientist or any of many other fields then emigration is relatively easy. Also, if you have enough money you can just buy your citizenship. The going rate for a US citizenship is $1M but you can get it for half of that if you go for a Targeted Employment Area.

Juh wrote:

Who?

What crahp!

Juh who?

This Juh person is just another idiot pretending that Sam isn't an accomplished runner.

Sam will definitely read this so I'll just say this - you do you and just go kick a**