This is an older story that my dad shared with me a few weeks back but which I felt would be interesting to share on my blog. As my dad rightly predicted I was very annoyed and frustrated by the reasons these cross country runners have decided not to compete in Mombasa, Kenya later this month. Cowardly, ignorant and unfair are the reasons described below for not attending. I think the US Embassy/government is using this as a chance to push its policies and politics in eastern Africa. If the bombing along the Somali border wasn't disheartening enough when I was there this story is. Kenya's for some reason seem to revere the US or maybe more accurately US citizens (not Americans as Americans go from Patagonia to the top of Canada) while remaining skeptical about the US Government. This is one of those times when the terror in terrorism really wins out. Have fun sitting at home and watching your fellow runners compete from the comfort of your homes, you arm chair chickens.
The first story in its entirety comes from the Oregonian but another from the Florida Sports Magazine speaks further as to the reasons runners have chosen not to compete.
Running notebook Klotz plans to race in troubled Kenya Monday, February 26, 2007 DOUG BINDER The Oregonian
Less than a month before the world cross country championships in Mombasa, Kenya, many of the top U.S. runners have declined to make the trip.
Oregon freshman Kenny Klotz, a qualifier for the national junior team, remains in, but Adam and Kara Goucher of Portland have opted out.
Although huge crowds are expected for Kenya's first IAAF World Athletics Series event, the risks can't be taken lightly, Alberto Salazar, the Gouchers' coach, said.
First, there is a risk of illness. Vaccination for yellow fever is mandatory, and seven other immunizations are recommended.
"I've been to Kenya twice and came back with a gastrointestinal bug both times," Salazar said.
Then, there is the heat. It is likely to be 90 degrees with high humidity for the March 24 races in Mombasa, on the Kenyan coast.
"Running in that kind of heat and humidity, even if you do prepare for it, is a crapshoot," Salazar said.
Security is also a concern. According to Reuters news service, hundreds of Kenyan Muslims marched in Mombasa on Feb. 18 demanding the release of Muslims they say are being held unfairly, and the protesters vowed to disrupt the cross country championship if the prisoners were not freed.
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi recently issued a strong warning to Americans considering visiting Kenya, saying violent crime was on an upswing and that Kenyan authorities had a limited capacity to prevent it.
U.S. stars Dathan Ritzenhein and Alan Culpepper and Australian Craig Mottram have said they won't compete.
The United States will be among more than 70 countries represented at the event. Klotz, a former standout at Central Catholic who placed second in the U.S. junior 8-kilometer race Feb. 7 in Boulder, Colo., will get the opportunity to wear a Team USA jersey for the first time.
For the rest of the story visit Oregonlive
The first story in its entirety comes from the Oregonian but another from the Florida Sports Magazine speaks further as to the reasons runners have chosen not to compete.
Running notebook Klotz plans to race in troubled Kenya Monday, February 26, 2007 DOUG BINDER The Oregonian
Less than a month before the world cross country championships in Mombasa, Kenya, many of the top U.S. runners have declined to make the trip.
Oregon freshman Kenny Klotz, a qualifier for the national junior team, remains in, but Adam and Kara Goucher of Portland have opted out.
Although huge crowds are expected for Kenya's first IAAF World Athletics Series event, the risks can't be taken lightly, Alberto Salazar, the Gouchers' coach, said.
First, there is a risk of illness. Vaccination for yellow fever is mandatory, and seven other immunizations are recommended.
"I've been to Kenya twice and came back with a gastrointestinal bug both times," Salazar said.
Then, there is the heat. It is likely to be 90 degrees with high humidity for the March 24 races in Mombasa, on the Kenyan coast.
"Running in that kind of heat and humidity, even if you do prepare for it, is a crapshoot," Salazar said.
Security is also a concern. According to Reuters news service, hundreds of Kenyan Muslims marched in Mombasa on Feb. 18 demanding the release of Muslims they say are being held unfairly, and the protesters vowed to disrupt the cross country championship if the prisoners were not freed.
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi recently issued a strong warning to Americans considering visiting Kenya, saying violent crime was on an upswing and that Kenyan authorities had a limited capacity to prevent it.
U.S. stars Dathan Ritzenhein and Alan Culpepper and Australian Craig Mottram have said they won't compete.
The United States will be among more than 70 countries represented at the event. Klotz, a former standout at Central Catholic who placed second in the U.S. junior 8-kilometer race Feb. 7 in Boulder, Colo., will get the opportunity to wear a Team USA jersey for the first time.
For the rest of the story visit Oregonlive
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