Race issues
US visas , Issue 1667 A SIGN of things to come for all sporting events staged in Trump's America saw the US State Department do what few national running teams have managed: stop Ethiopia winning junior medals at the world cross-country championships.
Golden shoes
Ethiopia had wanted to send a full complement of six men and six women. Since their debut in 1990, their under-20 women have won medals in 27 consecutive championships, including team golds at the last five events.
For Tallahassee, only three Ethiopian women were granted visas. Four athletes are needed to complete a junior team at the world cross-country.
According to Ethiopian officials, 23 of the original 34 visa requests were rejected. Some coaches, team officials and senior athletes also experienced problems.
Moving goalposts
On a practical level, football World Cups and Olympics (Donald Trump is due to open the games in Los Angeles in 2028) are supposed to have in-built agreements that will ensure that all competitors are guaranteed free access. But under Trump, what are the chances?
It was not all bad news in Tallahassee. With Ethiopia out of the race, the United States' junior men's team collected bronze medals. Way to go, Team USA!
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Next issue on sale: 4th February 2026
