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Tai Should Never Ride For Team Gb Again


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My own personal opinion is that national anthems are a waste of time and I don't see what purpose they serve at sporting events. Tai is British, it says so on his race jacket. That's all that matters to me. You can debate the technicalities of his qualifications all you like. Looking forward to see him trying to become BRITAIN's first three time world champion next year and leading the World Cup campaign. And I would also like to see him and a GB team in the Pairs events as well.

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My own personal opinion is that national anthems are a waste of time and I don't see what purpose they serve at sporting events. Tai is British, it says so on his race jacket. That's all that matters to me. You can debate the technicalities of his qualifications all you like. Looking forward to see him trying to become BRITAIN's first three time world champion next year and leading the World Cup campaign. And I would also like to see him and a GB team in the Pairs events as well.

...and I like rhubarb! :icon_smile_clown:

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Back in the day, New Zealanders Briggs and Mauger mysteriously changed nationality and regularly rode for Great Britain!

I think the general public is more nationalistic these days, especially with what is going on in the world. In my opinion, I think we should only have an England team. Only recently the Scots voted to break away. I think many feel we are/have losing/lost our national identity and perhaps Tai's lack of respect whilst the national anthem is playing is to some, another example of people not giving a damn about our country.

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Back in the day, New Zealanders Briggs and Mauger mysteriously changed nationality and regularly rode for Great Britain!

They didn't change nationality. They were always New Zelanders.

 

However New Zealand had no direct representation at FIM level and came under the jurisdiction of the British ACU for international racing. Hence their only method of entry to the World Team Cup was via the ACU's team.

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NOTHING mysterious about it ... as far as the FIM were concerned they were British as New Zealand had no direct affiliation with the sport's governing body and were represented by the ACU.

 

Interestingly, although the Aussies gained their own ACU circa 1975, New Zealand didn't until 1984.

 

It could be argued that Great Britain, represented by five Kiwis, won the 1979 World Team Cup.

 

All the best

Rob

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I think the general public is more nationalistic these days, especially with what is going on in the world. In my opinion, I think we should only have an England team. Only recently the Scots voted to break away. I think many feel we are/have losing/lost our national identity and perhaps Tai's lack of respect whilst the national anthem is playing is to some, another example of people not giving a damn about our country.

I think you'll find Scotland did NOT vote to break away. :mad: Anyway if Tai says he is British he is British. :t:

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I think you'll find Scotland did NOT vote to break away. :mad: Anyway if Tai says he is British he is British. :t:

44.7% did! But Tai might not be saying he is British.......only his passport says he is British.

Edited by Ray Stadia
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I think the general public is more nationalistic these days, especially with what is going on in the world. In my opinion, I think we should only have an England team. Only recently the Scots voted to break away. I think many feel we are/have losing/lost our national identity and perhaps Tai's lack of respect whilst the national anthem is playing is to some, another example of people not giving a damn about our country.

 

The Scots did not vote to break away. 55.3% to stay.

 

It is the BSPA. Not the ESPA. If a Welsh, English, Scottish or Northern Ireland rider reaches the level Woffinden has reached they belong in a British team. As far as I am concerned the 1,2,3 riders on a rostrum should have hats off, water bottles down and respect the winner's anthem. Common courtesy.

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. As far as I am concerned the 1,2,3 riders on a rostrum should have hats off, water bottles down and respect the winner's anthem. Common courtesy.

I do agree.It shouldn't be necessary,but I guess BSI should state clearly when the riders sign their contracts that this must be the case

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44.7% did! But Tai might not be saying he is British.......only his passport says he is British.

Actually less than 38% of the eligible electorate voted for independence.

I never thought I'd see being born in a country (the prime qualification for international sport) being described as a technicality.

To be honest, I don't really think accidents of birth should really be the determining factor. You should really represent where you spent your formative years and learnt your sport.

 

If Tai Woffinden is not an Australian citizen then he's not Australian full stop, but the question comes when a competitor takes a passport of convenience.

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Actually less than 38% of the eligible electorate voted for independence.

 

To be honest, I don't really think accidents of birth should really be the determining factor. You should really represent where you spent your formative years and learnt your sport.

 

If Tai Woffinden is not an Australian citizen then he's not Australian full stop, but the question comes when a competitor takes a passport of convenience.

Maybe, but 44.7% of those that went to vote, said yes. And who is to say that those that didn't vote, if they had to, would have tipped the balance to a 'yes'. Whichever way you argue the figures, a lot of Scots wanted to and probably still do want to, break from the UK. And in my opinion, fair enough.

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Actually less than 38% of the eligible electorate voted for independence.

 

To be honest, I don't really think accidents of birth should really be the determining factor. You should really represent where you spent your formative years and learnt your sport.

 

If Tai Woffinden is not an Australian citizen then he's not Australian full stop, but the question comes when a competitor takes a passport of convenience.

Perhaps you think that - but crucially - that is not the way it is.

 

You are what you are - and Tai is British.

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