Hong Kong-raised Jake Smith apologises for switching Wales for England – ‘but it’s the right thing going forward’

The 22-year-old record-holder broke Wales’ long-standing half-marathon record just four days in

‘I know I may get abuse for changing back’ says Smith, who has represented Hong Kong once at youth level

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Hong Kong-raised Jake Smith celebrates after crossing the World Half Marathon Championships line in Poland. Photo: Handout

Published: 8:00am, 10 Dec 2020Updated: 8:14am, 10 Dec 2020

Hong Kong-raised runner Jake Smith has announced he will represent England in future Commonwealth competitions, apologising to disappointed fans who watched him compete under the Welsh flag.

In a heartfelt social media post, the 22-year-old Team GB star explained the change was necessary because he “hadn’t thought it through properly”, having broken the Welsh national half-marathon record held for 35 years.

“I hope this doesn’t disappoint people but I have decided to go back to represent England at future competitions instead of Wales,” said Cardiff-based Smith, who in October broke his personal best by 89 seconds at the 2020 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships.

“I thought at first it was only natural for me to turn Welsh as I live here and have done for the past three years, but I feel as though I hadn’t thought it through properly.

Team GB’s Jake Smith is shocked after learning about his record-breaking time at the World Half Marathon Championships in Poland in October. Photo: Mateusz Slodkowski

“The biggest turning point for me was when I broke Welsh distance-running legend Steve Jones’ half-marathon record after only being Welsh for four days.

“As both my parents were born in England and I don’t have any family ties in Wales, I would feel much better representing England at future competitions.”