Samuel Francis never ran for Nigeria. He came into athletics quite late and attended only a few school runs. He was spotted by Qatari officials and was brought here. Since he hadnt run for Nigeria, the relocation was easy.
I talked to him yesterday after he won the gold (also much before the competition too) about how he got to keep his name. He said that he was a christian and he wasnt ready to change that for any amount of money. He came to Qatar in search of better training conditions. He reiterates that he is not here for the money, but the training facilities that would bring him athletic glory in the future.
Know what, i believe him. He sounds sincere and he is a great, approachable guy. All great athletes are. And ASPIRE Africa boys are not 10 years old, they are 13.
Samuel Francis never ran for Nigeria. He came into athletics quite late and attended only a few school runs. He was spotted by Qatari officials and was brought here. Since he hadnt run for Nigeria, the relocation was easy.
I talked to him yesterday after he won the gold (also much before the competition too) about how he got to keep his name. He said that he was a christian and he wasnt ready to change that for any amount of money. He came to Qatar in search of better training conditions. He reiterates that he is not here for the money, but the training facilities that would bring him athletic glory in the future.
Know what, i believe him. He sounds sincere and he is a great, approachable guy. All great athletes are. And ASPIRE Africa boys are not 10 years old, they are 13.