American miler Jon Rakin has decided to switch his allegiance to the Cayman Islands, his manager reported today.
"Jon is eligible to do this because both of his parents were born in the Cayman Islands," wrote his manager, Merhawi Keflezighi, in an e-mail message. "This is something that was under consideration ever since Jon Rankin turned professional, but especially in the last year. We are working closely with the Cayman Islands Olympic Committee and the Cayman Islands Athletic Association to make this a smooth transition."
Rankin, 27, who lives in San Diego and ran for UCLA as a collegian, has a 1500m personal best of 3:35.26 set in Stockholm in 2005. He's also run 3:54.24 for the mile. At last summer's USA Olympic Trials, Rankin finished sixth in the 1500m.
Although he never made a USA Olympic team, he would likely be able to do so running under the Cayman Islands flag.
"Jon has a strong vision of what he would like to do in athletics, through athletics and after his athletic career and this decision is a step towards making this vision a reality," Keflezighi continued. "It is a decison I completely support."
Rankin finished 13th at the Continental Airlines Fifth Avenue Mile in New York City last Saturday in 3:59.0.
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