Tooting Gull
Well-known member
- Jul 5, 2003
- 11,033
Does it matter to you that she has the Hungarian parents and was born and raised in Oz?
Only asking really because of the sheer level of media hysteria now she has done something at Wimbledon, and has a chance of winning the tournament and making history for Britain.
I think she switched nationality at 21, which is quite late in many ways.
Or would you be every bit as proud as if it was a player born and raised here and come through the system?
Konta has been asked about it before (very little at this tournament) and said she was happy to be representing Britain. That isn't the same as feeling British.
Obviously this isn't just about or aimed only at Konta, it's an example and there are many. Aljaz Bedene was a bit of a joke, coming from Slovenia to GB for funding and better commercial deals, and already talking about going back to play in the Olympics for Slovenia.
And Greg Rusedski was another interesting one. He was always Canadian to me, but unlike Bedene he did at least throw himself into the GB country and the culture.
Maybe it's a bit like the extra love you have for a homegrown player at your club, someone like a Solly March, as opposed to a big-money signing. You love them all, but seeing a true Brighton product doing at the highest level is that extra bit special?
Only asking really because of the sheer level of media hysteria now she has done something at Wimbledon, and has a chance of winning the tournament and making history for Britain.
I think she switched nationality at 21, which is quite late in many ways.
Or would you be every bit as proud as if it was a player born and raised here and come through the system?
Konta has been asked about it before (very little at this tournament) and said she was happy to be representing Britain. That isn't the same as feeling British.
Obviously this isn't just about or aimed only at Konta, it's an example and there are many. Aljaz Bedene was a bit of a joke, coming from Slovenia to GB for funding and better commercial deals, and already talking about going back to play in the Olympics for Slovenia.
And Greg Rusedski was another interesting one. He was always Canadian to me, but unlike Bedene he did at least throw himself into the GB country and the culture.
Maybe it's a bit like the extra love you have for a homegrown player at your club, someone like a Solly March, as opposed to a big-money signing. You love them all, but seeing a true Brighton product doing at the highest level is that extra bit special?
