Former Stevenson High School (Illinois) runner and current Arkansas Razorback, Micky Cobrin, seems to be doing just that. According to this article Micky has already arrived in Israel as the fastest miler. He has a personal record of 4:02 compared to the current Israeli record of 4.03.
In order for Micky to represent Israel in the World Championships next year he has to break the four-minute barrier.
Even if Micky breaks four minutes and goes to the Olympics he will be a long shot to make it out of the first round. Is leaving the U.S. to do so worth it? Will he come back after the Olympics and leave Israel with only a memory? Time will only tell.
10 comments:
Would I? Probably not, but thats just because I can't run a 4:02 mile right now. But I have to say props to Micky for having the balls to do it.
Get real!!! Would you really feel like you are a "true" Olympian doing it this way? Does he has citizenship? Either way. What a cheap way to call yourself an Olympian. Not to mention, isn't their an Olympic standard to run the meet.
Yeah he has an Israeli citizenship. And yeah, there is a qualifying time he needs to hit. If you could run the qualifying standard and run in the fcuking Olympics, would you? Running the cut is the same in every country. It's not like Israeli meters are shorter than US ones. If I put on my nation's uniform at the Olympics, I would feel like a champion, no matter what place I finished. Are you saying that the people who get knocked out during the prelims are not "true" olympians just because they are not the best in the world. The Olympics is a chance for the best of each country to compete, regardless (more or less) of their skill. The original olympics were created as a substitute for war, different countries could come and compete in sports instead of killing each other. It is about national pride and if Micky has enough pride in Israel to want to represent it in the oldest sporting event on the planet, then I applaud him for it.
Ok, if he has citizenship then that is a bit better. However, I see qualifying as an American as much more honorable and much more of an accomplishment. How does saying you are the best miler in Isreal(a place you probably never lived) or even an an Isreali Olympian make a person feel special? I guess if he grew up there and really had this connection it would make since. I suppose I don't see making certain country's Olympic teams as special as making the USA Olympic Team. Either way, good luck Micky.
Every time a runner becomes a citizen in the U.S. (Kannouchi, Lagat) sets world records or makes the Olympics, it brings up controversy. I heard it's not fair because they were already an established runner and shouldn't get "American" records. I've also heard that it brings up the standard here in the U.S.. For the most part, these athletes come to the U.S. for a better life, to become citizens, and live here.
Micky is doing the same thing, just in Israel. He is going to a country as an established runner. He is going to a weaker system. I don't know if I agree or disagree. My question is, is he going to stay there and live after the Olympics? Another thing is that Isreali citizens need to serve 2 years in the army. Is he going to do that or just come back here after the Olympics. If he is just going to come back, is he using Israel for his benefit?
http://www.juf.org/news/local.aspx?id=29384
http://www.westerngalilee.org.il/JewishAgency/English/Home/About/Press+Room/Jewish+Agency+In+The+News/2007/3/dec14haar.htm
this link is better than the one above:
http://www.westerngalilee.org.il/JewishAgency/English/Home/About/Press+Room/Jewish+Agency+In+The+News/2007/3/dec14haar.htm
In response to Joseph Renguso's comment, I don't know what his plans are exactly, but I believe Micky does plan to make the whole thing legitimate. He is not just going to show up, get an Israeli passport and then come right back here to train. When he talked about it before, he said he was going to move there after his track season is done.
Also, he is using Israel the same way we use the USA. It is (or will be) his home. In reality, both benefit. Micky gets to compete in the Olympics and Israel gets a new representative at the Games. I don't see this as Micky trying to pull a fast one (no pun intended) on Israel, but instead as a way to benefit everyone involved.
-Woods
Good for Micky! A) He is Jewish and wants to represent his people and B)he has duel citizenship so get over yourselves C) he is committed to the sport and country hence also in a Master's program at University and D) this is no different than how in the United States players for football, baseball fill in the blank of your favorite sport aren't representing teams in their home state but rather get recruited to whichever team pays them the most money and when the contract is up they get traded to another team -- give me a break people.
Would you not move to another state or country for a huge promotion with your company? Does this mean you think less of the state you are originally from?
In the sports world, you go where you can compete and to have a deeper religious connection to your homeland is all the more wonderful.
Go Micky Cobrin! Cheers!
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