Should Athletes Represent Their Country of Birth?

Question

In many sports there is a series of "origin" competitions, in which the athlete must represent their birthplace (province/state/country) EVEN IF they now live elsewhere.

Do you think that for the Olympics, athletes should represent their country of ORIGIN not the country they have adopted?

By doing this, we would see less poaching of great athletes from poor countries but a sit would only apply for the Olympics and not the World Championships or pro circuit, the athletes could still benefit financially from a move to a richer country to represent them for those comps.

I would be interested in your thoughts.

Answer 1

that would never happen. Those atheltes deserve to represent any country they want regardless of their race if they are very good.

So your saying Tiger Woods should play for Africa now, huh?

Man only Level 1 Newbies like you ask these questions!

Answer 2

i don't believe so, I think it is the country u identify with, the one that trained u and supported u that matters.

Answer 3

The athletes have the right to choose which country they want to represent as long as they have citizenship there.

No one forces them to represent a certain country.

If you are a proud American and are somehow born in Mongolia (say your parents were on vacation or something and you were born there), you wouldn't have mongolian citizenship for long since it would be inactive for too long after you went back to America.

Not only that but some countries don't offer dual citizenship and you are forced to choose between one or the other.

In the end, its always the athletes decision as long as they have legal papers.

Answer 4

Well, Cavic swam for Serbia even though he was born in the US and trained at Auburn.  Yao Ming plays for China.  But Lagat (Kenya) now runs for us as he is a US citizen now.

It happens both ways.

  

Answer 5

US would never allow that to happen.  We would have lost over 1/3 our medals.

Answer 6

CHECK OUT MY QUESTIONS POSTED YESTERDAY .bottom line you are who you are and stick to it moving country is too easy by gaining a passport or citizenship is wrong where has the passion for your country gone soon they will be transfer windows a f###in joke you wouldnt find a scot playing for england spanish to french they should hang their heads in shame baw bags.

Answer 7

h**l no, why would someone represent a nation they left at a young age and don't remember or have anything to do with.