Athletics: Vili rejects talk of switching allegiance

Athlete Valerie Vili says she is honoured to represent New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images

Olympic shotput champion Valerie Vili has firmly rebuffed speculation that she is considering switching allegiance to Great Britain.

UK magazine Inside the Games reported that Vili may compete for Britain at the 2012 Olympic Games, leaping to this broad conclusion based on comments the Beijing gold medallist made in regards to funding issues for New Zealand athletes.

The magazine said she had turned down several approaches to change nationalities but claimed that a lack of funding for elite athletes in New Zealand might now encourage her to consider changing her mind.

But Vili insists her comments were taken out of context and yesterday moved quickly to reassure her fans she has no intention of competing for any other nation.

"I love New Zealand, and am honoured to wear the black singlet and represent my country," she said.

"While I said I have the option to compete for Britain and France with my family heritage, it is not something I am considering," said Vili.

Vili does not deny that more could be done for elite New Zealand athletes in the way of funding, but said switching allegiances is not, and has never been an option.

"People are working hard behind the scenes to help New Zealand Olympians foot it with the rest of the world and I am looking forward to the future," she said.

"I was so proud to see the New Zealand flag fly high at Beijing and the future looks good for me here in New Zealand."

The 24-year-old Halberg Award winner is in training in Auckland. She leaves next week for Brazil where she will compete in three grand prix meets as part of her buildup for the world championships in Berlin in August.