SIMPSON
AMERICA-BORN quarter miler and former Jamaica 400m champion Brandon Simpson said he hopes his decision to switch allegiance doesn't take away his local fans.
"I always respected my fans and I am not going to change," said U.S.-bound Simpson, who helped Jamaica to one silver and two bronze medals at World Championships between 2001 and 2005.
He said he will always respect his fans but hopes they accept his decision.
"I always respected them and I hope that people still respect me for what I do and not necessarily who I represent.
"I know it will be difficult for some people to grasp and understand," he said.
The Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA) in a release, sent on Monday, stated it had released Simpson, who first represented Jamaica at the CAC Junior Championships in 1999.
NO DETAILS
However, when asked what prompted his decision to request a switch after enjoying his best year in the sport, Simpson said: "I don't want to get into any details ... just to say it was a good term while I was in (represented) Jamaica.
"My reason for leaving has been discussed with the JAAA and if they want to disclose that, it's up to them. I'm not trying to leave on a negative note. I am very happy with my career.
"I have to fulfil my own career and that's pretty much the reason why," said Simpson, who declined to disclose when he made the request to be released.
It is believed that Simpson, who was born in Florida, will run for the U.S. but he said that was just speculation.
"I haven't said anything about the country I am running for," he said.
When asked how difficult it would be for him to get on to the U.S. team, Simpson, a two-time Boys' Champs 200m silver medallist, said: "When the time comes around ... it will be difficult, regardless of which country I am running for," said Simpson.
"Whoever I represent, it doesn't really matter, it's going to be difficult when you get to the world-class level, so I am not really worried about difficulties.
THE BEST
"I think that regardless of who I compete for, I am going to be the best and that's what I am striving for," said Simpson, who thanked the JAAA for its cooperation.
Base on IAAF rules, which were recently changed, Simpson could be eligible to compete immediately for the U.S., or even U.S. Virgin Islands.
Both member federations (Jamaica and United States) have to agree for him to be able to compete.
It is not clear if he has been accepted by the U.S. and, if he has not yet been accepted by an IAAF member federation, he cannot be invited to compete anywhere.
An athlete can only be invited to a meet under his or her national federation.
