There is a Kenyan in our race: athletics and migration in Brazil

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to analyze the migratory tendencies of foreign long distance runners, especially those from African descent. This interest rises from the great success these athletes have displayed in all major Brazilian city running events. The analysis was focused on coaches who work with Brazilian and international long distance runners. Coaches who are involved with training international runners are against to the regulation that restricts the participation of foreign runners in competitions organized by the Brazilian confederation (CBAt). On the other hand, coaches who work with Brazilian runners are in agreement with these rules. In conclusion we found that in an individual sport such as running that operates outside of traditional sports clubs there are tendencies of nationalism protecting the local athlete and discriminating the international competitor.