http://www.47news.jp/CN/201205/CN2012050801001972.html
translated by Brett Larner
On May 8 it was announced that the IAAF has sent a ruling to the Cambodian federation that Japanese comedian Hiroshi Neko (34, born Kuniaki Takizaki), who changed his citizenship last October with the aim of making Cambodia's London Olympic team in the marathon, does not satisfy Olympic entry qualifications. Cambodia had already announced Neko as a member of its Olympic team, but the IAAF's decision kills his Olympic ambitions.
Cambodian Olympic Committee executive member Vath Chamrouen commented, "We're not going to take this any further. We're going to pick someone else as soon as possible and send another athlete."
Translator's note: Cambodian national record holder Hem Bunting broke his own mark with a new national record of 2:23:29 at April's Paris Marathon, almost seven minutes faster than Neko's PB set at the Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon in February.
translated by Brett Larner
On May 8 it was announced that the IAAF has sent a ruling to the Cambodian federation that Japanese comedian Hiroshi Neko (34, born Kuniaki Takizaki), who changed his citizenship last October with the aim of making Cambodia's London Olympic team in the marathon, does not satisfy Olympic entry qualifications. Cambodia had already announced Neko as a member of its Olympic team, but the IAAF's decision kills his Olympic ambitions.
Cambodian Olympic Committee executive member Vath Chamrouen commented, "We're not going to take this any further. We're going to pick someone else as soon as possible and send another athlete."
Translator's note: Cambodian national record holder Hem Bunting broke his own mark with a new national record of 2:23:29 at April's Paris Marathon, almost seven minutes faster than Neko's PB set at the Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon in February.
Comments
Japanese media obviously did not ignore Hem Bunting and his part of the story, i.e. you can read about it here (since you mentioned mainichi):
http://mainichi.jp/select/news/20120509k0000m040139000c.html
If you do a google research you will find more.
Sub-2:18 may not have been realistic but all respect is due to Bunting for staying focused and getting the job done with a new NR under these circumstances. I hope we see him in London this summer.
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2012050856037/Sport/olympics-no-go-for-neko.html