The Int'l Association of Athletics Federations "is exploring tightening the rules that allow athletes to switch the country they represent in track and field," according to the AP. The organization said that IAAF President Sebastian Coe’s leadership discussed the issue during the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and "transfer of allegiance" is on the agenda for Saturday’s council meeting. On the eve of the Olympics, the IAAF "allowed 85 athletes to compete for new countries, including 12 now on the Bahrain team after previously representing African or Caribbean nations." The IAAF said, "It is time to review the transfer of allegiance rules to see if they are still applicable to today. It’s like many of the IAAF rules; they need to be reviewed over a period of time. It is right to review these rules now." Bahrain’s first Olympic Gold Medal "was won Monday by Ruth Jebet" in the 3,000m steeplechase. Jebet "transferred her sports nationality to the tiny Gulf island kingdom three years ago from Kenya." The 19-year-old Jebet said, "There are so many athletes in Kenya. In Bahrain I get the chance to go to school." The IAAF Council "is set to explore whether it is right to allow athletes to find a new nation to represent if they feel the depth of talent in their original country is considered too strong to qualify for competitions." The IAAF "could demand a greater show of commitment to the athlete's new country, with exceptions for refugees or people who move due to relationships" (AP, 8/16).
