AMERICAN MILER RANKIN TO REPRESENT CAYMAN ISLANDS
By David Monti
(c) 2009 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved - used with permission
American miler Jon Rakin has decided to switch his allegiance to the Cayman Islands, his manager reported today.
"Jon
is eligible to do this because both of his parents were born in the
Cayman Islands," wrote his manager, Merhawi Keflezighi, in an e-mail
message. "This is something that was under consideration ever since
Jon Rankin turned professional, but especially in the last year. We
are working closely with the Cayman Islands Olympic Committee and the
Cayman Islands Athletic Association to make this a smooth transition."
Rankin,
27, who lives in San Diego and ran for UCLA as a collegian, has a 1500m
personal best of 3:35.26 set in Stockholm in 2005. He's also run
3:54.24 for the mile. At last summer's USA Olympic Trials, Rankin
finished sixth in the 1500m.
Although he never made a USA Olympic team, he would likely be able to do so running under the Cayman Islands flag.
"Jon
has a strong vision of what he would like to do in athletics, through
athletics and after his athletic career and this decision is a step
towards making this vision a reality," Keflezighi continued. "It is a
decison I completely support."
Rankin finished 13th at the Continental Airlines Fifth Avenue Mile in New York City last Saturday in 3:59.0.
ENDS
More below...
Rankin to run for Cayman Islands
BY LANDON BRIGHT
Last week I did a profile on
San Diego-based distance runner Jon Rankin. I covered a range of
changes Rankin has made since last year’s Olympic Trials, including a
new coach, new job, and new training approach. Now, Rankin has decided
to add more change to that list—new country.
Starting next year, Rankin has decided he will represent the Cayman Islands for international competitions.
“It’s
something I’ve been considering for four-and-a-half years. As I
contemplated over the decision I realized once I decided to make the
change, there was no going back. It's been a big consideration for a
long time and now, running for them in the 2012 Olympics is the
commitment I'm honored to make,” said Rankin.