More on Plastic Brits & Athlete Transfer of Allegiance

Last month’s article by Lee Ness on Plastic Brits stirred a lot of controversy.

According the the stats, UK should be the least of our worries!

In this great interactive info graphic from Track Stats, we see:

The top 4 countries in Track and Field with the most imports are Italy, France, Spain, and Turkey.

The top 3 countries with the most exports are Morocco, Kenya, Ethiopia.

Dark Red = Net Transfer Loss

Dark Blue = Net Transfer Gain

It’s quite obvious that the exports (or whatever you want to call them) are distance runners in the above 3 countries.  If you aren’t ranked top 3 in your home country, chances are you’ll be top 3 in another country weak in distance running.

The World is based on immigration and emigration.  Some by choice, and some not by choice.  Get over it.

However, it’s the intent that matters.  As long as you are actually moving to a new country, and living there 6 months plus one day, and plan to retire there, I see no problem in the influx of athletes transfer of allegence.

Moreover, I like to see more community work from these athletes to give back to the grass roots.

Unfortunately, we don’t know if they will stay (or not) for the long term.

This means if you want to be on your National Team, you better have the times and make the standard, and be top 3 in the very same meet that matters… your National Trials.  Perform on the day that matters to prove your spot on the team.

Either Go Hard or Go Home.

No whining.  No fuss.  No exception.