Should athletes be allowed to compete for two different nations (not in the same tournament of course)?

Question

I had always felt that once you compete for a national or junior-national team of one country, you are forever committed to continue to compete for that country and no other. Even if you obtain dual citizenship, you shouldn't be allowed to compete for any other country's national team.

But I see this quite frequently, so I guess a lot of national teams only require that you are a current citizen.

As an example, distance runner Bernard Lagat competed for Kenya in the 2004 Olympics (after becoming a U.S. citizen), and will soon compete for the United States in the 2008 Olympics. I do not think this should be permitted by organizers of international tournaments, even if he had switched citizenship after Athens.

I realize that this is "Politics & Government" and not "Sports", and that the two are supposed to be separate. But anyone who thinks that there is no connection between them is on crack.

Your thoughts?

Answer 1

My thoughts include telling you that to get an HONEST answer, insulting people(Crack comment) is a poor way to get opinions.

The rules set down by the IOC allow this. When you are in charge of the Olympic Committee, feel free to make that change. Until then, they have a right.

Answer 2

no!!!!!

Answer 3

no...

but if his orignal place become country...

he can play 4 their too...

but he should decide 1 of dem..