“If I’m going to compete against those really top teams in my conference, I’ve got to find other countries and other places to find athletes,” said Jon Murray, head coach at Texas Tech. Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is he talking about? Well, just a few weeks ago, in the outskirts of Kenya, a surprising announcement echoed: “The University of Alabama, the University of Arizona, the University of New Mexico…” Why? Because U.S. colleges are actively recruiting Kenya’s top track and field talents to represent them at the NCAA and even Olympic levels. While some coaches oppose it, others call it a bold move in the nation’s best interest. And guess what? One of Kenya’s brightest stars has already switched allegiance to Team USA. Intrigued? Let’s dive in.

USATF’s official social media handle shared exciting news today: Wesley Kiptoo has officially changed his nationality and will now compete under the USA banner. “He has applied for and has been granted a change of allegiance from Kenya to the United States. He will compete as a United States athlete in national and international competitions effective immediately,” wrote the official USATF handle.

For those wondering who he is, Wesley Kiptoo is one of the top distance runners in the world today. Hailing from Kenya, he claimed the 2021 NCAA Indoor 5,000m title and boasts blazing personal bests: 7:43.61 for 3,000m, 13:14.74 for 5,000m, and 27:37.29 for 10,000m. In 2022, he skipped his final collegiate season to turn professional, making his debut in the Men’s Elite 5,000m at the Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, California. And now, he is ready for his first run as an American on October 12.

Track and field journalist Jonathan Gault wrote, “Kiptoo, the 2021 NCAA indoor 5k champ for Iowa State, will run the Chicago Marathon tomorrow. He has a marathon PB of 2:08:54 from Boston in April.” Well, that’s not all, his resume is as stacked as a box of glazed doughnuts. The athlete is a seven-time NCAA Division I All-American in both cross country and track. Kiptoo also claims seven Big 12 titles and holds Iowa State records in the indoor 3,000 and 5,000 meters, plus the outdoor 10,000 meters and steeplechase.

Hailing from Marakwet, Kenya, Wesley Kiptoo relocated to Flagstaff in 2022 to join the HOKA NAZ Elite squad, ready to make waves on the pro stage. Years later, he’ll finally compete under the U.S. flag, making his debut at the Chicago Marathon. Kiptoo boasts a marathon PB of 2:08:54 from Boston in April and a half-marathon best of 1:00:34. Well, guess what, he is not the only Kenyan talent who we might see in the future running for the US.

NCAA Colleges are looking for athletes in Kenya

The United States appears to have turned its attention to the growing pool of Kenyan talent. Last season, Kenyan women dominated the cross-country championships with top-three finishes. Meanwhile, Texas Tech has signed 28-year-old Solomon Kipchoge, whose half-marathon times are rewriting the record books. This is a huge opportunity for Kenyan stars, who often find it difficult to grow in their homeland. However, a debate remains: will this dampen the progression of American athletes?

For many Kenyans, it’s a gateway out of poverty; for U.S. programs, it’s a shot at adding world-class runners, but for the American talent, it’s a new wave of competition. And, guess what, it’s not all rainbow and sunshine for the Kenyan athletes as well. According to an insider, the real challenge isn’t the influx of Kenyan recruits; it’s that NCAA incentives often conflict with the long-term development that previous generations of distance runners enjoyed.

So, what’s the issue? Well, Today’s athletes must deliver immediate results to justify their place, leaving little room for gradual growth. Certainly, it’s a win-win situation for the Kenyan athletes, but will they be able to compete against the top talents of the US? Well, time will tell.