2009 World Athletics Championships gold medalist Abel Kirui has disclosed that he does not have any problem with Kenyan-born runners switching their allegiances to other countries.
The two-time marathon world champion explained that when athletes fail to get enough opportunities to showcase their talents here in Kenya, they should be allowed to change their nationality.
“Kenya is like a factory which is producing raw materials that are taken to other countries to be manufactured into finished products. It is exciting to have athletes who cannot get enough opportunities here in Kenya to go and compete for other nations.
“This person who lacked the chance to qualify for the championships in Kenya goes to represent other countries, win and get big awards in terms of money,” Kirui told Daily Sport.
Many brilliant Kenyan athletes have changed their nationalities in recent years to other countries, particularly Arabian ones, something that has angered many athletic fans.
For example at the recently concluded 2022 World Athletics Championships that was held in Eugene, United States, two runners with Kenyan roots managed to attain a podium place finish.
Also Read: Faith Kipyegon Explains How Being a Mother Made Her Stronger
Kazakhstan’s Norah Jeruto who switched allegiance from Kenya three years ago won her adopted nation’s first gold medal in a world championship event. It was reported that the 26-year-old was awarded handsomely by the Asian nation.
Lonah Salpeter also managed to win a bronze medal for Israel in the women’s marathon, behind Judith Korir of Kenya.
Also Read: Ezekiel Kemboi Endorses Raila Odinga
Kirui, a Berlin marathon silver medalist, added that these runners would return back to Kenya and invest the millions of money awarded by their adopted nations.
“I am happy some of these athletes will come back and invest here in Kenya, so the per capita will grow. I don’t have any problem with athletes switching their allegiances to other nations. The government should motivate Kenyan athletes so that when someone is performing well, they should keep him or her in the country.
Kirui also suggested that athletics stakeholders in the country should conduct selections for international competitions early to give representatives a humble time to prepare in order to avoid the poor performance registered in Oregon.
“We need to have like six months for the world championships to produce the best results. I wish there would be early selection and preparation. Selection should not be conducted a month before a world championship,”
“It needs early preparation. Even when you talk to Eliud, how he came to run under 2 hours. He will tell you he had to invest a lot of time on it,” advised Kirui.
Also Read: It Runs in the Family: Pamela Eager To Emulate Brigid Kosgei’s Success