It’s not the first time this has happened, and it won’t be the last.
But more than a dozen athletes who have changed nationalities are now allowed to compete for their new homelands at the Athens Games.
Rules allow an athlete who has competed for one country to represent another provided he or she hasn’t taken part in international events for three years.
– – –
Chelsea Luker
Canadian synchronized swimmer
New nation: Britain
Biggest adjustment:
Not much, except the Queen is around a lot more and the fish and chips are way better.
Andre Berto
American boxer
New nation: Haiti
Biggest adjustment: Training in the relative quiet of a world minus Don King’s constant phone calls.
Sofia Sakorafa
Greek javelin thrower
New nation: Palestine
Biggest adjustment: Now 47, she competed in the 1980 Games. So this time–yes–it’s for the kids.
Xeno Mueller
Swiss rower
New nation: U.S.
Biggest adjustment: One-time Olympic gold medalist will be shocked to learn Americans don’t follow rowing.
Natalie Harvey
Australian long-distance runner
New nation: Britain
Biggest adjustment: Down under, she trained on long, straight runs. In Britain, it’s all tight circles.
