BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - WITH weeks before the start of the 2013 IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia, will the Federation see veteran Sprinter Kim Collins compete for another country?
Following a snub by St. Kitts-Nevis Amateur Athletic Association (SKNAAA) for the 2013 World Championships, Collins announced Wednesday (Jul. 17) that he is exploring the option of representing another country for the 2013 games.
He stated that he received an invitation from Ireland and might accept it.
On hearing this news, SKNVibes sought the get an official from the SKNAAA to shed some light on the proposed move by Collins.
Speaking with Public Relations Officer of that association, Evris Huggins stated that certain rules have to be satisfied in order for an athlete to switch allegiance and proclaimed that if that is the course Collins desires to take he wishes him the best.
“They are rules that govern transfer of nationality or transfer of country. It will be sad to see a sprint icon like Mr. Collins pledge allegiance to another country. But if this is the path that he chooses we wish him the best. We cannot stop him from doing that if this is the path he chooses, and should he become successful with his transfer we wish him all the best.”
SKNVibes also contacted the Minister of Sports, Hon Glenn Phillip, who stated that he tried to mediate the impasse between the SKNAAA and Collins but the government could not overrule the ethics and policies of the organisation.
“They have their own code of ethics. They also have their own constitution. As a matter of fact, I have tried to speak to them to find out what exactly happened, because I read a report that said Kim was available. From what I was told by the SKNAAA, all of the meets he had to attend to become qualified to represent St. Kitts and Nevis he did not show and that is a standard they have for the other athletes coming home and running at the Nationals.”
When asked what the government’s stance on the matter is, the Minister said: “The thing about the government is that it is not in a position to rule over anybody that is duly elected or constitutionally elected.
“Each association has their own constitution, their own rules and regulation. That it is why the government cannot take a stance on this in terms of them going against the constitution.”
Under the new rule agreed by the 45th International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Council, an athlete is banned from competing at championships for three years from the day he receives citizenship from a country other than the one of their birth.
However, if both countries agree on the transfer of allegiance, the athlete will be allowed to compete in events after one year.
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