Athletes especially from Africa switch allegiance to run for other countries and regions due to reasons that range from financial constraints to lack of recognition in their home country.
Last week, Uganda’s long distance runner Jacob Kiplimo came strong in the 10,000m race at the Ostrava Golden Spike meet in the Czech Republic as he posted remarkable time after putting up an impressive performance.
The 20-year-old flew away from the rest of the field, and 25 laps later, he stopped the clock in 26:33.93. He made a new world-leading time as his posted time is now the seventh-best in history at 10,000m.
Kiplimo who is highly rated to reach the heights of Golden Boy Joshua Cheptegei has hinted to switching nationality and shine for another country during competitions.
Through his Instagram, Kiplimo said that after the 10k race last week in Ostrava, he was surprised to meet a representative of another ‘big country’ asking him to accept his nationality with very big promises.
However, he said that he did not take the offer though he also did not rule it out as he wants government to do more in supporting their sector.
“All I want is to train better and also help struggling athletes. But since my running career begun 2016, I have not felt the efforts of my government,” said Kiplimo.
At his young age, Kiplimo has so far won three golds for Uganda (2017 Kampala Marathon, 2019 in Aarhus and 2020 in Gydia).
Government is yet to complete the running facility it commissioned in 2010 when Moses Kipsiro won gold. Athletes have continuously complained of poor funding from government during their preparations yet they always bring glory to the country when they compete in international events.