Mr. Clemens Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 I suppose the point here is that Holta is a 'rider at Poland's disposal' as he is both a citizen and a Polish licence holder. As I hinted in my earlier post there is no shortage of talented Polish riders and Holta is going to be under tremendous pressure to perform. Polish speedway fans are not known as a forgiving lot! I'm not sure whether my role as the speedway reporter for DP (which is published daily in London) gives me that much more insight into the minds of the selectors than anyone else but I think the reason he has been picked is on the strength of his peformances this season for Czestochowa and VMS Elit. He wasn't particularly impressive in the Eskilstuna GP so I personally think his selection is a big risk. I shall be in Wroclaw for the race off and final so I'll try to speak to some people from the PZM to find out what the justification is. So far there has been little in the way of official comment (although we don't see everything that appears in the Polish press about Speedway - try as we might) other than the announcement first of all that he was in the twelve man squad and then in the team. Eddie Slater Speedway Correspondent - Dziennik Polski www.dziennikpolski.co.uk <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thank you for the detailed answer > much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommy Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 (edited) It is a matter of opinion but I think that people should partake in sport for their country of origin whichever country that might be and I have always believed this and always said this. Boy, would Lindback have a hard time finding a track in Brazil I'd expect to see Walasek in the race-off. But I think it'll be Protasiewicz or Kasprzak that'll make way for him. I think Walasek will get the nod for the race-off. Edited August 3, 2005 by tommy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Clemens Posted August 3, 2005 Report Share Posted August 3, 2005 In general, I'd agree. But can you always clearly define 'country of origin'. Suppose you have an Irish mother, an Australian father, was born in India, lived in China for 5 years, then lived in England for the rest of your life. What is your country of origin? On the subject of Speedway riders, I remember Gordon Kennett once considered riding for Denmark because he kept being overlooked by England, though I don't believe he ever actually went through with it. I think he had a Danish wife. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> In these circumstances I believe a person has a choice to make. When that choice is made then they have to stick to it. There will always be anomalies of this nature. I am thinking more though of those who have definite countries of orign, whose parents are of that nationality, having lived in that country all their lives. Also if the laws of the country of origin have connections to another country > Tasmania and Australia for instance > then it is lawful for the person to represent their country of origin. In my opinion if that person becomes a citizen of another country and lives there permanently then they are legally entitled to ride for that other country. But how many revert to their country of origin when it suits their purposes?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenn Posted August 5, 2005 Report Share Posted August 5, 2005 Kevin Pietersen has at least one English parent, as does Hargreaves so surely they qualifiy as being English!! Pietersen in particular went to lengths to ensure he was eligible for England!! In the way some are arguing that he is ineligible for a place in the England cricket side, Loram is ineligible for a place in the Team GB side!! However, Rune Holta, as far as i know has no links other than speedway to poland so i have no idea how he can be riding representing them in the world cup! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
21st century heathen Posted August 5, 2005 Report Share Posted August 5, 2005 He's a Polish citizen so he has the same rights as any other Pole. I just don't like the fact that he has represented Norway at the highest level, and has switched. It's nothing to do with him, I feel the same in any sport. Who's that long jumper who switched from Britain to Italy? (as an eg) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beesboybert Posted August 5, 2005 Report Share Posted August 5, 2005 Kevin Pietersen has at least one English parent, as does Hargreaves so surely they qualifiy as being English!! Pietersen in particular went to lengths to ensure he was eligible for England!! In the way some are arguing that he is ineligible for a place in the England cricket side, Loram is ineligible for a place in the Team GB side!! However, Rune Holta, as far as i know has no links other than speedway to poland so i have no idea how he can be riding representing them in the world cup! <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Plus Hargreaves and Pietersen have never represented another country unlike Holta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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