For the olympics, why do people who don't reside in a certain country participate on that country's team?

Question

For example, Milorad Cavic was born in California and trains in Florida, yet he races for Serbia.

Answer 1

So what? If you were born in china and trained there yet u origionally come from US then im 100% sure that you'd rather race for your own country instead... and by the way everybody has the right to race for what ever county they want to... just like maria sharapova she lives and trains in the US yet she plays for Russia

Answer 2

It's wherever they are a citizen.

Answer 3

He has a dual-citizenship, he's both Serbian and American, and as I have understand him he appreciates both countries the same. He didn't manage to get into US team for Sidney Olympics 2000. and that's when he decided to try competing for Serbia. Afterwords as he saw how much he's appreciated in Serbia he never doubted that decision.

But generally speaking he is a Serb American and both countries may be proud of him.

Answer 4

Many people have citizenship for multiple countries, as far as I know they can choose which country they will compete for, provided they can make it through qualifications.

Answer 5

Some countries are much easier to get onto the olympic team than, say, in the US

Answer 6

If he was born in CA, isnt he a US citizen?