It was amazing to see how many of the non-USA swimmers (and runners too) trainined in the USA either at the collegiate or club level. It really has broadened the talent pool across many more countries than say 20 years ago.
Kenya was a British Colony until 1963 if memory serves. While most of the population is African, there were Arab, Indian, and European minorities present from hundreds of years ago.
Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) was a British Colony until 1965 when Ian Smith declared independence from the UK. This led to a long, bloody civil war that lasted until 1979. After that, most of the remaining Europeans left the country because of the brutal rule of Robert Mugabe. I don't know what Christie Coventry's status is in her home country but it is a dangerous place to be, no matter what your ethnic background is.
My guess is that these swimmers regard themselves as Africans as much as I consider myself an American. Our ancestors may have come from Europe but our homes and our heritage is where we grew up. Just my opinion on the subject.
Kenya was a British Colony until 1963 if memory serves. While most of the population is African, there were Arab, Indian, and European minorities present from hundreds of years ago.
Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) was a British Colony until 1965 when Ian Smith declared independence from the UK. This led to a long, bloody civil war that lasted until 1979. After that, most of the remaining Europeans left the country because of the brutal rule of Robert Mugabe. I don't know what Christie Coventry's status is in her home country but it is a dangerous place to be, no matter what your ethnic background is.
My guess is that these swimmers regard themselves as Africans as much as I consider myself an American. Our ancestors may have come from Europe but our homes and our heritage is where we grew up. Just my opinion on the subject.
