Nike Should Tread Lightly in Kenyan Olympic Trials Debate (UPDATED)

I'm all for promoting the sport of track and field here in the United States.

But there is a line between merely enhancing the product's own natural beauty and going the route of mascara and lipstick for a cheap and unnecessary make-over attempt.

Nike's huge footprint (and deep pockets) has over-reached the boundaries of decency, common sense (and possibly national sovereignty) in its efforts to draw the Kenyan 5000-meter and 10000-meter Olympic Trials to the already-successful Prefontaine Classic invitational track meet in Eugene, Oregon.

Athletics Kenya, the governing body of track and field in Kenya, is also apparently a willing participant. It is uncertain as to who approached whom.

The idea is to hold the Kenyan trials as a warm-up to the hugely popular Pre Classic on Saturday, June 2. For the Kenyan runners, the Eugene climate and altitude would closely replicate the conditions of London in August.

Additionally, track aficionados of the local Track Town USA environs would benefit from hosting, observing and mingling with athletes from one of the distance running powerhouses of East Africa.

Seems like a win-win situation to this point, doesn't it?

Except one small, insignificant group is left out of the party—the Kenyan fans.

They will be deprived of experiencing the selection process of their own 5k and 10k Olympic teams.

It's not often (if ever) that I side with government on any issue. But in this case, I am in agreement with the Kenyan government who has rejected the plan. At this point, it is not clear which entity—the Kenyan government or Athletics Kenya—has the final authority.

A decision (see update below) is expected some time this week.

Hopefully, Nike will do the right thing and withdraw their monetary incentive.

Apart from the matter of the Kenyan fans, there are some additional arguments in favor of retreating from this plan:

Pre Classic is already world-class.

Even before its designation as a Diamond League stop-off, the Prefontaine Classic was, and is, the best single-day invitational meet on American soil. Arguably, it is one of the best-run and deepest (in terms of top-ten global talent in every event) meets in the world.

While meet officials always seem to improve the quality of the meet from year-to-year, it is not necessary to violate Kenyan (and Olympic) tradition to enhance this meet.

In my opinion, this would be a promotional gimmick.

Kenyans can still train in Eugene.

Athletes have always enjoyed the freedom to train in any conditions, anywhere in the world.

In fact, sponsors would be wise to seek Kenyan runners and support their training, wherever it may take place. By virtue of their relative success on the world stage, it's just plain good business.

If they choose to train in Eugene, more power to Track Town USA.

The plan might later lead to Olympic disqualifications. 

One would think Nike, Pre Classic and AK officials have already looked into the legal issues here, but stranger things have happened in sport.

What a shame it would be for Kenyan athletes to have to relinquish any Olympic medals due to unforeseen legal complications.

Finally, the obvious question for Nike (and yes, the pun is intended):

"How would Americans feel if the shoe were on the other foot?"

UPDATE, March 15, 2012 - In an official release, Prefontaine Classic and Athletics Kenya officials have announced the Kenyan men's 10k Olympic Trial will be held in conjunction with the Pre Classic on the evening of June 1. The press release in its entirety can be accessed right here.

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