japan running news

http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/athletics/news/20120521-OHT1T00218.htm translated by Brett Larner Cambodian Olympic Committee director Vath Chamrouen  announced on May 21 that 800 m runner Kieng Samorn  has been named to the Cambodian Olympic team.  Samorn is a replacement for Japanese-born comedian Hiroshi Neko  (born Kuniaki Takizaki) who changed his citizenship in a bid to make the Cambodian Olympic team in the men's marathon.  Neither Samorn nor Neko has run an Olympic-qualifying time. Translator's note: Having no athletes qualified for any track and field event, Cambodia is entitled to send one athlete in an event of its choosing in a special exemption granted under Olympic rules.  Samorn was chosen over marathon national record holder Hem Bunting , who had been ignored in favor of Neko despite running a new national record at April's Paris Marathon seven minutes' faster than Neko's best time.

http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20120326-OHT1T00015.htm translated and edited by Brett Larner Having taken Cambodian citizenship in a bid to make the London Olympics, comedian Hiroshi Neko  ( Hiroshi Cat , 34, born Kuniaki Takizaki) was been named to the Cambodian Olympic team in the men's marathon according to a statement from Cambodian Olympic Committee managing director Vath Chamrouen  on Mar. 25.  An official announcement will be made in April along with the lineup of the Cambodian Olympic team in other sports.  Neko's dream is coming true, but his participation in the Olympics after transferring citizenship has sparked debate. Running headlong in pursuit of the Olympics, Neko's dream has come true.  After whittling down the candidates for the wildcard athletics berth to three men and one woman, the Cambodian Olympic Committee evaluated the candidates based on their performances and other criteria in accordance with IAAF procedures....