Holden becomes first American to play for Russia
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-09-13 13:34

MOSCOW, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Jon Holden is about to make history by becoming the first American athlete in any sport to represent Russia in international competition.

Russia's Jon Holden (R), who is a native American, plays against Vidas Ginevicius of Lithuania in a friendly before the European championship in Moscow September 8, 2005. Jon Holden is about to make history becoming the first American athlete in any sport to represent Russia in international competition. [Reuters]

The Pittsburgh native will make his debut for his adopted country at the European basketball championship starting on Friday after acquiring Russian citizenship last year.

"After I received my Russian passport everyone was wondering if I'll play, but I must admit it wasn't an easy decision to make," Holden told Reuters in an interview before leaving for Belgrade to compete in Euro 2005.

"I took some time to think about it and talked to a lot of people. I've spoken with my family and friends and thought it was a good decision."

The 1.84-metre guard, who has been playing for Russian champions CSKA Moscow for three years, has never played for the United States, making him eligible to represent his new country.

"My family backed me up but the biggest thing was being welcomed by the team. As long as the team wanted me here I was going to play," he said.

Holden still had to convince his parents back home that he was making the right choice.

"I sat down with my parents because I wanted them to understand what I was doing," he said. "But they said they would support me whatever decision I was going to make."

While he is honoured to play for Russia, Holden says he still feels American inside. "I will always be an American. I lived there for most of my life and will always be a U.S. citizen."

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