The “American” marathon winner
The first American to win the New York Marathon in decades was born in Africa. Is this really a U.S. victory?
Meb Keflezighi: Born in Eritrea, but an American winner?
© PCN Photography/Corbis
Mebrahtom Keflezighi became the first American to win the New York Marathon in 27 years Sunday, but questions about his nationality arose even as he crossed the finishing line. The 39-year-old was born in Eritrea, East Africa, but immigrated to America in 1982—and has lived and trained here ever since. Is that enough to make him an American? (Watch Mebrahtom Keflezighi express his patriotism after winning the New York Marathon.)
Keflezighi’s win doesn’t count: In running, nationality matters, says Darren Rovell at CNBC’s Sports Biz. And unfortunately, because Keflezighi was born in Eritrea, it “takes away from the magnitude” of this so-called American victory. Keflezighi is “like a ringer who you hire to work a couple hours at your office so that you can win the executive softball league.” Update: Rovell has since apologized for his comments.
“Marathon's Headline Win Is Empty”
An immigrant American is still an American: Darren Rovell’s argument is “seriously disturbing,” says Henry Blodget at The Business Insider and “probably racist.” Dismissing immigrant athletes as only “technically American” is “insidious” and wrong. “They’re American. And the rest of us are lucky to have them.”
“CNBC's Rovell: NYC Marathon Winner Is Only "Technically" An American”
Look at the last 'American' who won the marathon: Consider history, says Tommy Craggs at Deadspin. Reactionary commentators like Rovell should check out the proud American who finished first in 1982: “Guy by the name of Alberto Salazar. Who was born in Havana.”
"American Who Won NYC Marathon Isn't American Enough For Some People"
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10 Comments
Posted by hmmmm, Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 7:15 pm I wonder if all these articles about Meb, debating or even questioning his nationality, would have flooded the web if he was from UK or other European countries with caucasian blood.
Posted by Allthatjazz, Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 7:33 pm What about all the American Nobel laureates who are immigrants, and there are many of them. Let me hear Rovell say they don't count.
Posted by Myron, Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 7:45 pm What about the current Amerikan Premiere Comrade Obama? He was not born here and yet the press seems at ease with it.
Posted by ted, Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 9:03 pm thought all americans came from somewhere else its only a matter time when they arrived! only red indians r native!
Posted by Anton, Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 4:12 am If Mebrahtom Keflezighi has an American passport, he's an American. If not, then debate is warranted.
Posted by Red-White-Blue, Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 11:53 am I wonder if all these articles about Meb, debating or even questioning his nationality, would have flooded the web if he was from UK or other European countries with Caucasian blood.DITTO !
Posted by nem0.n00ne, Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 10:14 pm I agree with Anton if Meb has a US Passport, then he is an American. Rovell is a moron. When someone comes here from another country and becomes a citizen, they become an American. That is the true reason for the greatness of this country.
Posted by amie, Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 10:37 pm he's been here since he was 12. he is an american. this is a stupid, uselsess conversation. he won. he is american. move on, The Week. uber stupid discussion. more than 90 percent of americans said he is american, so get over it. god, you are just yrying to get hits for the advertisers... you give more allowances to illegals, grabbing health care, workers comp and other benefits. THEY are not americans. Meb is an American.
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