Introduction
Globalization and multiculturalism are changing people’s perceptions of national boundaries, which is especially relevant for less structured phenomena. In particular, in recent times, many athletes have competed at international sports events under the flag of foreign countries, despite their citizenship. This practice is especially common in large developed countries, including the United States. This factor can be explained by the high competition within the national sport in the country, as well as the complex US migration history. Many athletes with American citizenship participate in international competitions under the flag of foreign countries, which could be observed at the last Olympic Games in Beijing. This practice may appear unfair or unfair as it allows athletes to switch their teams as the case may be. However, the performance of US athletes on teams from other countries has a number of positive aspects, including support for the national identity of the athletes, the opportunity for the athlete to succeed in a highly competitive environment, prestige for the less developed countries and the development of multiculturalism.
Nationality vs. Citizenship
First of all, nationality is more significant than citizenship, which is especially relevant to major world sports events. The practice of switching teams is extremely common in world sports, especially in countries with complex migration histories. Within the framework of sporting events, especially such events as the Olympic Games, there has long been a debate about nationality and citizenship. For example, in the recent Beijing Olympics, a scandal erupted around the Chinese U.S.-born freestyle skier Eileen Gu (Feng). In particular. China has rather strict laws regarding the acquisition of the citizenship of its country, which is based on ethnic heritage. However, Gu, who lived and trained in the United States for most of her life, had Chinese citizenship and was able to compete for this country as she proved her Chinese nationality. Thus, within the framework of sports competitions, it is necessary to take into account the ethnic origin of athletes and their desire to represent a particular country.
The United States is one of the most multicultural countries in the world on the territory of which live representatives of various nationalities. Although athletes train in the US, they may well represent other countries at sporting events. This practice is not only common but also logical, as it emphasizes the identity of the athlete, regardless of his citizenship. Many athletes may also choose to move to the US to gain access to more sporting prospects to prove themselves at events later. However, they can strive for these achievements solely for the sake of their homeland and act under its flag. Thus, as noted by Jansen et al., often switching teams for athletes is purely instrumental (536). Thus, athletes can use a more developed country to grow their potential, which they will later show under the flag of another country.
Various international and national sports organizations have different approaches to granting permission to citizens of one country to compete under a different flag. The conditions that athletes need to meet to perform for the national team of another country are different, but many of them are related to the need to prove their national identity. Additionally, the capabilities of the switching team depend on the national regulations and citizenship laws of the country. However, within the framework of international competitions, many athletes now have the opportunity to represent foreign countries, which has greatly increased diversity.
Sports Competition
Another important aspect in this discussion is how intense competition is currently within sports and especially in international sports events. This problem is especially relevant for developed countries, including the United States. Many athletes, even showing good results, cannot break into the top of the best players in the country, which closes their access to international sports events. In many organizations in various disciplines, there is a long list of athletes who apply for a place in the national teams and for the chance to compete in international events (Walker). However, out of hundreds of applicants with good sports results, this option is available only to dozens or even a few people. In many ways, this depends not only on diligence and physical abilities but also on luck and other circumstances.
The performances of US citizens who are representatives of other nationalities allow them not only to show their identity but also to get a chance to enter the competition. In particular, an athlete training in a developed country has more potential and opportunities than an athlete from a less developed country. Undoubtedly, there are exceptions when the most talented athletes came out of the least prosperous context. However, there are only a few such examples, which makes them rather exceptions to the rule. Less fortunate or talented athletes from the US can use the switching team to enter the international sports arena. US sports teams cannot accommodate everyone, which is especially relevant for team sports. Thus, if an athlete believes that he is capable of representing another country, then it is necessary to provide him with such an opportunity. This practice allows many athletes to express themselves; otherwise, they would go unnoticed.
Opportunity for Foreign Country
International sports events are an important aspect not only for the individual career of athletes but also for the prestige of countries. For less developed countries, the performance of athletes from the United States is an opportunity to prove themselves in the international sports arena. The practice of switching teams in this way can help countries with less developed sports cultures and fewer resources to compete with event headliners. This aspect can largely positively affect the international image of the country in sports and open up new opportunities for it. Thus, this practice brings mutual benefit to both athletes and countries, which makes it not only acceptable but also desirable.
Possible Marketization of Citizenship
While the aspects described are more related to the provision of sports opportunities to athletes and countries, there are also purely technical aspects of switching teams. Jansen et al. note that there are opinions that “these practices are indicative of the marketization of citizenship” (535). In other words, many athletes presumably choose the conditions that bring them the most benefit in terms of both reputation and money. However, as noted in most cases, athletes are limited by national laws and regulations regarding citizenship. Additionally, within the framework of many international sports organizations, they need to prove their nationality. These aspects make it difficult for athletes to switch teams and also limit the choice of potential foreign countries.
Thus, the question of switching teams for athletes most likely rests on high competition, as well as the inability to prove themselves in these conditions. Another reason for this choice may also be the desire to represent their native country at major international events. One way or another, this practice is more evidence of the dynamism of modern international structures and rules and not the marketization of citizenship within the framework of sports. The existence of the opportunity for many athletes to play for the less successful and famous team of a foreign country is an additional option for the development of individual talents. Citizenship restrictions do not allow them to develop and grow, express themselves and build a professional career.
This is especially relevant to sports in the United States, where many different athletes with different ethnic backgrounds strive to be on the same team. Perhaps the practice of switching teams is an excellent example of what an international sport should look like, where athletes can choose the country for which they would like to play. However, there will be many restrictions associated with this practice, as countries will seek to poach top athletes, which requires additional regulation.
Conclusion
In modern multicultural society, the practice of switching teams, when athletes from one country compete at international events for a foreign country, is common. This approach is especially relevant for US citizens due to the complex historical migration in the country, as well as the high level of national sports competition. While switching teams can be advantageous to different countries, and athletes can look for the most beneficial conditions, there are more positive sides to this practice. In the first place, athletes can show their national identity, as well as get a chance to develop in a highly competitive environment. In addition, many less developed countries are able to obtain a residence permit, which opens up new perspectives. It is also important that switching teams are an example of multiculturalism, which is a characteristic of modern society.
Works Cited
Feng, Emily. “For Some Athletes, What is Chinese is Not So Simple.” NPR, Web.
Jansen, Joost, et al. “Nationality Swapping in the Olympic Field: Towards the Marketization of Citizenship?” Citizenship Studies, vol. 22, no. 5, 2018, pp. 523-539.
Walker, Teresa M. “For Some Athletes, Competing for Another Country Is Only Way to Reach Olympics.” NBC News, Web.