Yomi Omogbeja (13/04/2005)

Athens Olympic 1500m silver medalist, Bernard Lagat has dropped his Kenyan nationality to take up American citizenship.

Kenyan laws does not allow dual citizenship, therefore his latest switch of allegiance implied Lagat can no longer claim to be Kenyan.

The decision of the 30-year-old, who has lived in Tucson, Arizona United States for the past nine years, has sent shock waves back to his former homeland Kenya.

Athletics Kenya chairman Isaiah Kiplagat said "we're shocked at Lagat's decision".

A move that will further anger Kenyan Sports Minister Ochillo Ayacko who had wanted defectors to be banned from Kenya and those found training in the country to be deported.

But Lagat has taken into consideration the consequences of his actions, especially coming on the heels of the World Championships in Helsinki.

Lagat said: "The decision to change my nationality was not one I took lightly as I am very proud of my Kenyan heritage.

"I thought long and hard before changing my nationality but, at 30, I have to look to my future after my running career has come to an end.

"In the short term, I realise that changing my nationality makes me ineligible to compete at the 2005 World Championships, but I look forward to trying to run as fast as possible in other meetings this summer, with the aim of inspiring and uplifting Kenyan and American athletics fans alike."

"I hope to continue running at the very highest level until at least the 2008 Olympics," he added.

New rule

Meanwhile, the new IAAF's rule on change of nationality released this week will prevent athletes who change nationality from competing for their new country for three years after acquiring citizenship.

This period may be reduced to 12 months with the agreement, in writing, of the Members concerned.

His 1500m personal best of 3:26.34 seconds is the second fastest time in history.