5000m finalist Cragg blasts state of athletics in Ireland
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
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Irish athletes Alistair Cragg and Thomas Chamney have blasted the state of athletics in Ireland.
Cragg has accused TV pundits Eamon Coughlan, Jerry Kiernan and Sonia O'Sullivan of not contributing directly to the sport.
The Johannesburg-born athlete is through to the Olympic 5000m finals, but he is not happy with the way the sport is treated in Ireland.
He said: "Look at the people who have experience and ask them how they can help. Because no-one's helping. They'd rather just comment."
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Jillian Cragg's comments about A. Cragg being too weak for South Africa are odd. He is a two time Olympic finalist who ran the Olympic 'A' qualifying standard for 3 events earlier in 2008 i.e he could have run for South Africa had he wanted to stay representing that country- he didn't and that was his right. Cragg has no strong ties with Ireland for sure but he qualfies as an Irish citizen and is entitled to race for the Irish team. Such events happen all around the world if you don't like it get over it- it is very much a part of modern sport: any one of a number of irish footballers spring to mind, Vinne Jones playing for Wales and the new English cricket captain. Cragg would have better served himself financially in his early years as a professional 2003-2004-2005 if he had contrived to represent America where he lives. His family ties with Ireland and his relationship with an Irish coach had precedence. He has run for Ireland for 5 years or so and can comment on the set up.
Posted by Arran Dowling-Hussey | 25.08.08, 10:51 GMT
Inaccurate sloppy Journalism...... Cragg did not say it was Coghlan, etc. ... he just said it was an overall feeling of people at the top... which includes influential journalists and others in athletics as well as these former greats ... greats from an era which was not nearly as competitive... For sure they ran fast times, but its easier when you are the best when you run those times and the society you live in appreciates your performances
Posted by Mick | 21.08.08, 01:24 GMT
Alistair Cragg is not Irish. He obtained a passport based on his mother's ancestery as he was too weak for South Africa. The Irish team welcomed him with open arms. He has spent at least 30 hours in Ireland in the whole of his life. Cragg asks for Ireland to help, perhaps he should help Ireland first rather than comment on a place he has only fleetingly visited.
Posted by Jillian Cragg | 21.08.08, 00:40 GMT