Where is home and what does it mean? This week a breaking news story triggered me to question the importance of home. Aaron Cook, the world number one taekwondo player represented his country of birth, Great Britain, in the Beijing Olympics but now with just one year to go until the Rio games he has decided to change nationality. Apparently Aaron had no previous connection to Moldova, the country who he has now chosen to represent going forwards. It has been reported that he will receive a significant financial incentive although I believe there must be much more to this huge decision than just the money.
It's a very difficult situation for an athlete and any National Olympic Committee; in this instance I know it is not a decision that either party took lightly. Any athlete has the option to change nationality but they can only compete at the next Olympic Games if both the old and new nations agree. This is a great loss to TeamGB especially as Aaron had just been selected to represent Great Britain at the upcoming European Games in June.
I am regularly asked where I'm from or where home is, especially when I'm abroad. I can't imagine suddenly changing that answer even if it did open up huge opportunities. Within my sport of modern pentathlon it is a regular occurrence to see athletes changing nationalities. One of my competitors changed from Lithuanian, to Belarusian and finally to Russian, and that wasn't due to multiple marriages. There are a few last minute changes being pushed through at the moment - the pressure is on as time is limited with Olympic qualifying already underway.
I feel it is sad when money and politics interfere so obviously with amateur sport. I'm extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to represent my country of birth for the whole of my international career.
