devans
Mentor
I wonder what is the point any more in international competitions. Athletes seem to be able to just go and represent any country they feel like nowadays.
The better the athlete the more choice they will have.
This has really taken off in the UK in the last 3 or 4 years, so much so that people are starting to notice, as in this article…
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/ar...s-If-best-best-whats-point-Martin-Samuel.html
“If even international sporting bodies refuse to embrace the principle that nationality matters, that events should compose the best of yours against the best of theirs, then what is the purpose?
“International competition is perceived to have significance, to make a statement about the sporting strength of a people. Yet if Yamile Aldama can win medals for three nations — country of birth (Cuba), country of convenience (Sudan), and country of residency (Great Britain) — then why bother waving flags? Admire the athlete, but don’t claim the reflected glory. The country is a vessel, no more.â€
The better the athlete the more choice they will have.
This has really taken off in the UK in the last 3 or 4 years, so much so that people are starting to notice, as in this article…
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/ar...s-If-best-best-whats-point-Martin-Samuel.html
“If even international sporting bodies refuse to embrace the principle that nationality matters, that events should compose the best of yours against the best of theirs, then what is the purpose?
“International competition is perceived to have significance, to make a statement about the sporting strength of a people. Yet if Yamile Aldama can win medals for three nations — country of birth (Cuba), country of convenience (Sudan), and country of residency (Great Britain) — then why bother waving flags? Admire the athlete, but don’t claim the reflected glory. The country is a vessel, no more.â€
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