Updated throughout the day with quick takes from staff.
Yes, 2009 NYC Marathon winner Meb Keflezighi is a U.S. citizen and therefore that makes him the first American to win the race in 27 years. American news outlets are falling all over themselves to talk this up. It's a wonderful achievement, no doubt. We finally proved to the world that we're better than Ethiopia at something.
But I can't help but think about the one fact that most people are conveniently leaving out of the story. Keflezighi became a U.S. citizen in 1998. He was born in Eritrea. Which is located right next to...you guessed it...Ethiopia.
I suppose if you can't beat'em, naturalize them.
UPDATE: Sean has clarified some of his original comments in this post here, if you're interested.
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How dare you!!!!!!
HE IS AN AMERICAN. A UNITED STATES CITIZEN.
by Chicken Underwear on Nov 2, 2009 6:54 AM EST reply actions
And what is the point you are tring to make with this "News Stroy"
by Chicken Underwear on Nov 2, 2009 8:08 AM EST reply actions
Seriously?
I remember when journalists conducted research instead of relying on assumptions. Aside from the fact that he’s been here since he was 12, its not like he just got his citizenship last week. He’s been a citizen for over a decade. Is there some sort of seasoning period in order to become a “true American”? Is that an Eritrean flag he’s carrying? You may be reluctant to embrace him, but I’m proud to see him represent the United States of Amerca.
by 2TESET on Nov 2, 2009 4:59 PM EST reply actions
Oh hey, America makes immigrants into citizens?
This is shocking news I first learned in my 5th grade history class. Thank you for this shocking reporting on this “new world.”
Follow me on twitter
by Branta on Nov 2, 2009 7:07 PM EST reply actions
Technically, Sean Keeley is an idiot.
Meb went to high school in America. And college. Much of his family lives here. His two young daughters were born here. Oh, and he is also legally a citizen.
And on top of that, he speaks U-merr-i-kin. But you should know that Keeley. After all, you know the English language well enough to put spaces before and after ellipses … oh, wait. Scratch that. We’d better check your birth records.
And while you’re being all technical, you might want to note that the last American to win the NYC Marathon was Alberto Salazar, who was born in … you guessed it … Cuba. So I guess you would call him an “American.”
Connecticut-born Bill Rodgers was the last Keeley-approved winner of the New York City Marathon, way back in 1979. It’s just too bad the U.S.A. hasn’t won since.
by Rob_Runner on Nov 3, 2009 7:23 AM EST reply actions
Flag Article
Why can’t we flag articles for stupidity like posts? I am sure Sean’s family walked across the Bering strait so he is a “true” American!
by EdtheBruin on Nov 3, 2009 12:28 PM EST reply actions
I find it appalling
That in this day and age there are still people that quibble over the definition of what being American means.
Is Sean Keely aware that there are many immigrants without legal citizenship serving in our armed forces and dieing in foreign wars for the chance to take the test Meb passed? Or that there are many many more working at below poverty level wages waiting for their turn to undergo the naturalization process?
What sacrifices have you made for this country Sean? What makes you more American than anybody else? Who do you think you are to question the loyalty anybody else has for this country?
Let’s see if you have the nads to post an apology to Mr. Meb Keflezighi.
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
by MexiBruin on Nov 3, 2009 2:05 PM EST reply actions
written by Sean Keeley...
Isn’t Keeley usually an Irish name? Was he born here? Were his parents born here? Unless he can trace his lineage back 5,000-10,000 years and still only find people in North America, he’s no more an American than Meb.
Then again…Meb wanted to become an American. He actively pursued it. He took a test and had to score well to earn it. He waited for it. He earned the right to be an American citizen. Keeley is most likely an American by the simple luck of where his mother gave birth. Fans often compare those on a bandwagon with real fans. By any measure, Meb is a real American.
by AZBruin on Nov 3, 2009 2:10 PM EST reply actions
This article is a disgrace
Is the United States not a country based on immigrants? Where would the United States be without the millions upon millions of immigrants that have come to this country, seeking a better chance at life and a better opportunity to succeed?
There are plenty of naturalized citizens I know that are far more patriotic than many natural-born citizens. Does it make them less of an American, simply because they weren’t born here?
This is, frankly, a complete disgrace. I wish it were just a joke and I could laugh it off, but this article is so incredibly the epitome of what gives Americans a bad name around the world. This country is great because of its diversity, because of people like Meb who have come here seeking a better life and actually succeeding. We should be celebrating his accomplishments and his life as the American Dream, because that’s exactly what it is.
Like MexiBruin said, I hope you have the courage to admit that you were wrong on this one and post an apology. It won’t right the wrongs done by this post, but it will be a significant first step.
slow down, look up
by Point Guard 08 on Nov 3, 2009 2:40 PM EST reply actions
Stay classy, Keeley
I look forward to your future article demanding that Patrick Ewing give his gold medals won with the USA basketball team in 1984 and 1992 back for being born in Jamaica.
I can’t even begin to imagine what this means. What does Ethiopia have to do with anything?
by Westwood Wizard on Nov 3, 2009 4:18 PM EST reply actions
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