Bett better think this US defection plan

Bett better think this US defection plan

So our recently crowned world 400m hurdles champion Nicholas Bett is considering becoming an American?

Bett announced on Facebook on Wednesday that he had received such an offer, asking his friends to advise him on the way forward.

Of course we have a number of Kenyan athletes in the USA with Bernard Lagat the most prominent.

But while he has the freedom to choose where he want to live; Is he ready to embark on this journey?

I wouldn’t claim to know Bett well but the fact that he gave us that unexpected gold in 400m hurdles during the World Championships in Beijing, China last year, gives me the right to comment on the matter.

Of course everyone would like to stay in the land of ‘milk and honey’ as they say; but it’s not a very easy route for an athlete.

CITIZENSHIP CHANGE RULES

Just as Athletics Kenya president Jack Tuwei said, Bett has to consult with the federation regarding his invitation to change citizenship to the United States of America.

He has to realize that there are procedures to be followed in such situations and they have to be followed to the letter.

First, it’s important that Bett gives full details of what the defection means.

What the federation would like to know is how the invite came through and details of the contract (if any).

Such procedures as explained by the AK boss, must involve three parties, in this case, the parent association (Athletics Kenya), the inviting federation (United States Track and Field) and the umbrella body, International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

As things are, I am personally treating the issue as a rumour.

But even if it works, Bett must be ready to sit out for three years including missing this year’s Olympic games in Rio and next year’s World Championships.

Considering his age and the fact that he has just won his first major title, I am not sure he wants to go down that route.

REPEAT PERFORMANCE

Bett needs to prove to the world that he is not a one hit wonder and his feat was not fluke before contemplating shifting allegiance.

Kenyans, like the rest of the world, would like to see Bett doing it the second time.

However, this shouldn’t be misconstrued to mean that he can’t do it again.

In fact, the boy has a lot to gain if he sticks with Kenya the next two years than acquiring the green card and sitting out for another three years.

I am not ashamed to say that this is his time and he better focus. We know the life of sprinters.

Of course with exception of Jamaican Usain Bolt and a few others, it is usually short. It will pay if our very own Bett can focus.

Perhaps AK needs more seminars to discuss the pros and cons of such contemplated defections and of course doping.
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