Biathlon IBU World Cup 2021 - 2022

[Joshi 123]

Campbell Wright for the USA? 

 

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/olympics/300488189/winter-olympics-biathlete-campbell-wright-hunts-for-place-in-new-zealand-team

[NearPup 3,051]

6 minutes ago, Joshi said:

Campbell Wright for the USA? 

 

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/olympics/300488189/winter-olympics-biathlete-campbell-wright-hunts-for-place-in-new-zealand-team

If the  Olympic committee don’t select him then he should absolutely switch to the US. Talk about an NOC being ungrateful, the fact that his selection is even in question is ridiculous. This is an athlete almost any other NOC would be extremely happy to select.

[Grassmarket 3,408]

4 minutes ago, NearPup said:

If the  Olympic committee don’t select him then he should absolutely switch to the US. Talk about an NOC being ungrateful, the fact that his selection is even in question is ridiculous. This is an athlete almost any other NOC would be extremely happy to select.

NZ have very strict criteria in all sports though - everyone knows them.

[NearPup 3,051]

7 minutes ago, Grassmarket said:

NZ have very strict criteria though - everyone knows them.

Which is why athletes who have the opportunity to represent a country with sane selection criteria should leave the New Zealand team for a team that actually appreciates their talent and their potential. Not selecting a 19 year old who has scored world cup points in biathlon is malpractice unless you have a ridiculous amount of depth in that sport, there shouldn’t even be a discussion over whether or not to select him.

 

The Americans will gladly support Wright if New Zealand decides he isn’t good enough for then.

[dcro 10,210]

Can you really just change your sport nationality a month before the Olympics? Even if you already have dual nationality in practice?

With many federations, it wouldn't have been possible.

[Joshi 123]

20 minutes ago, NearPup said:

If the  Olympic committee don’t select him then he should absolutely switch to the US. Talk about an NOC being ungrateful, the fact that his selection is even in question is ridiculous. This is an athlete almost any other NOC would be extremely happy to select.

What makes it worse is that he wants to represent his nation of birth as he sees himself as a Kiwi. But our committee are so short sighted, yes he most probably won't be top 16 but experience will be invaluable. He's the youngest on the scene by nearly 2 years. Team USA have been knocking on his door for ages, and he may have to bite the bullet and reluctantly fulfill his dream for the US.

[NearPup 3,051]

8 minutes ago, dcro said:

Can you really just change your sport nationality a month before the Olympics? Even if you already have dual nationality in practice?

With many federations, it wouldn't have been possible.

It’s more the principle of the thing. The US federation is on record saying Wright would be selected if available. If he is snubbed by New Zealand why would he keep competing for them when another country, with much more depth in the sport mind you, was not just willing but practically begging to send him to the Olympics?

 

When one country wants you and another doesn’t, you compete for the country that wants you.

[Joshi 123]

5 minutes ago, NearPup said:

It’s more the principle of the thing. The US federation is on record saying Wright would be selected if available. If he is snubbed by New Zealand why would he keep competing for them when another country, with much more depth in the sport mind you, was not just willing but practically begging to send him to the Olympics?

 

When one country wants you and another doesn’t, you compete for the country that wants you.

Talking about depth, NZ has a total of 10 biathletes who practice this sport. I mean you can already see why the US biathlon team see him as an absolute freak with the added bonus of being a dual citizen. But you know what if he turns out to be an absolute gem in future olympics and does it for the US and not for NZ because of us snubbing him, you'd think that the NZOC will review their shortcomings. Well you'd like to think so. It's not like we have that many potential Winter Olympic medalists anyway...

[NearPup 3,051]

8 minutes ago, Joshi said:

Talking about depth, NZ has a total of 10 biathletes who practice this sport. I mean you can already see why the US biathlon team see him as an absolute freak with the added bonus of being a dual citizen. But you know what if he turns out to be an absolute gem in future olympics and does it for the US and not for NZ because of us snubbing him, you'd think that the NZOC will review their shortcomings. Well you'd like to think so. It's not like we have that many potential Winter Olympic medalists anyway...

That's the maddening thing, this is someone who clearly has the potential to be the greatest Winter Olympian in the history of New Zealand. Why isn't the NZOC rolling out the red carpet for him?

[dcro 10,210]

6 minutes ago, NearPup said:

That's the maddening thing, this is someone who clearly has the potential to be the greatest Winter Olympian in the history of New Zealand. Why isn't the NZOC rolling out the red carpet for him?

NZ has Winter Olympic medals.

 

And Campbell is really not that good. This statistic about him being the second 19-year old with WC points or whatnot seems deceiving. There were many 19-year olds who would have most definitely scored WC points - if only their nations were allowed more entries.