Olympics: Comedian Neko's hopes of competing at Olympics in doubt

Hiroshi Neko

April 13, 2012

PHNOM PENH (Kyodo) -- Comedian Hiroshi Neko's hopes of competing in the men's marathon at the London Olympics could be in jeopardy after the International Association of Athletics Federations raised doubts over his eligibility to represent Cambodia, sources close to the matter said Thursday.

The 34-year-old Neko, whose real name is Kuniaki Takizaki, was born in Japan and became a naturalized Cambodian citizen in late 2011 after competing in several international half-marathons there, which won him many fans throughout the country.

But the IAAF, the world ruling body for track and field, has from this year implemented new rules pertaining to athletes with new nationalities and no previous experience representing their adopted country in international competition.

One of the rules stipulates that in the event at least one year has not passed since the athlete gained nationality, the athlete must have continually resided in their adopted country, or be given special permission by the IAAF executive committee.

There are doubts as to whether Neko has lived continuously in Cambodia since being naturalized, raising the possibility he may need to file an application through the Cambodian athletics federation for special permission to compete at the London Games. The IAAF has asked the Khmer Amateur Athletics Federation to explain whether he meets the criteria, the sources said.

Last month Vath Chamroeun, secretary general of Cambodia's Olympic committee, said Neko would represent Cambodia in the men's marathon in London. He said he had received official confirmation from the IAAF, accepting Neko.

At an international half-marathon in Siem Reap in 2010, Neko finished third. Last year, he came second in the first international half-marathon held in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh.