Skater
ICC Chairman
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2004
- Profile Flag
- England
I don't hate another nation on this earth. The Laura Robson case is hollow because in my view she is British on grounds of her father.Why? If you moved after six months you would have no recolection of being in the place you were born. Sure be proud of your roots, your descendants etc could be born there but you may not even know the language of your country so why would you consider yourself that nationality?
And if we are talking sportspeople if you move to a different country at a young age you are obviously going to have to have the help of the national association that you moved to. Take the example of Laura Robson; she was born in Australia to an Aussie mother but a Biritish farther. and moved to Singapore at 18 months. She then moved to Britain at the age of 4. When it was clear she was very talented at tennis she obviously needed the support of the LTA (the Australian Tennis Asscoiation being thousands of miles away and powerless to do anything) so she has used the training facilities the LTA has given her all her life. What is she going to do then I wonder? Represent the country she spent 18 months of her life in or represent the country that she has made her home and given her lots of support in terms of money and facilities?
Sport can in many ways unite a nation; but can also cause hatred with other nations and bring these nationalistic views.
Jelena Dokic is one I am thinking of. Born in Croatia, spent some time in Australia before moving to Serbia, but has decided to represent Australia at tennis. Wouldn't happen if I was in charge.