World Cross Country: Free trade

If you can't beat them, buy them.
 
That appears to be the strategy for western countries who want a slice of long distance athletics success but simply lack the talent found in abundance in Kenya and Ethiopia.
 
Just look at the USA team for the upcoming IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Kampala. It begs belief that America, so fond of their patriotism, could have a line-up with so many Kenyans.
 
USA's senior men's team list includes Samuel Chelanga, Stanley Kebenei, Shadrack Kipchirchir and Leonard Korir. Only two runners - Trevor Dunbar, Scott Fauble - are indigenous Americans.
 
Another Kenyan in Paul Chelimo is part of the mixed relay team.
 
USA is, of course, just one country to go down this path, with Australia, Belgium, Bahrain and Kuwait among others to try it out. And more will join the fray.
 
"In athletics we say, there's Kenya A, B, C and Ethiopia A, B, C," joked Uganda Athletics Federation president Domenic Otucet.
 
It's still funny now but it has obvious potential long-term implications for an emerging athletics force like Uganda. While its runners have not been targeted thus far, that will probably change as the performances improve.