Jilted by U.S., 2 Olympians turn to Russia

By Alex Rodriguez | Chicago Tribune correspondent

MOSCOW — The cheering throngs in J.R. Holden's boyhood hoop dreams always roared in an NBA arena, not an Olympic venue.

Now 31, Holden never got that chance to don an NBA jersey, but in less than three weeks, the nimble-footed point guard from Pittsburgh will stride into Beijing's National Stadium to compete for Olympic gold.

That he will wear the colors of Mother Russia instead of red, white and blue won't trouble him a bit. Moreover, he says, it shouldn't trouble Americans back home.

"Whether you do it for the United States or another country, it's an honor and a privilege just to be at the Olympics, and I don't think people understand that," Holden said between swigs of water after a recent practice with his Team Russia teammates. "Some people get caught up with the patriotism aspect of it ... but I'm going to enjoy it and do the best I can to represent Russia."

The Summer Games in Beijing will mark the first time American citizens have competed for Russia in the Olympics, Russian Olympic Committee officials say. While Holden leads the Russian men's squad, WNBA standout Becky Hammon from South Dakota will play for the Russian women's basketball team. Authorities fast-tracked both of them for Russian citizenship.

Both athletes say their motivation is pure and uncomplicated: The Olympic experience has no peer as the ultimate crucible for athletic achievement—and as the world's greatest sports spectacle. A chance to take part can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Back home, however, competing for a former Cold War foe may constitute a line in the sand for some Americans.

Jilted by U.S., 2 Olympians turn to Russia....