Robertson's remarks follow angry exchanges at a UK Athletics press conference in Istanbul on Thursday (March 9) when a reporter from the Daily Mail asked team captain Tiffany Porter (pictured) – a sprint hurdler who was born and raised in Michigan, United States – to prove her British credentials by reciting the first few lines of God Save The Queen.

Porter said she knew the whole anthem but refused to say the words because it was "not necessary".

The question provoked a furious reaction from head coach Charles van Commenee, who said he had not chosen Porter to captain the squad for her "ability to memorise words or her vocal skills".

But Robertson said that memorising the national anthem is a good idea for any overseas-born athletes hoping to compete in a British vest at the London Olympics.

"If you are going to represent Britain at the Olympics then I think it is sensible to know the words of the National Anthem," he said.

"I would say that would be even more necessary if you think you are going to win a medal."

Robertson added that he had no problem with athletes born overseas representing Britain if they held a UK passport, but said he opposed any fast-tracking of the naturalisation process to allow them to compete at the London Games.

That is not an issue for Porter who, as a dual national with a London-born mother and Nigerian father, has had a UK passport since birth.

She did not let the row affect her performance as she won the silver medal in the 60 metres at the Ataköy Athletics Arena in Istanbul last night, while another so-called "plastic Brit", the Cuban-born Yamile Aldama won gold in the triple jump.

Robertson said: "I am pretty clear on this issue.



"Anyone who wants to compete for Great Britain must hold a British passport or go through the full naturalisation process.

"What I am against is giving special treatment to people simply to allow them to compete for this country."

The controversy deepened when UK Athletics said that it would be banning the paper involved from all of its events – including the two domestic Diamond League meetings at Crystal Palace and Birmingham, the Olympic trials, all press conferences and training camps – for its coverage of the story.

The ban was authorised by the governing body's chairman, Ed Warner and chief executive Niels de Vos.

Team GB members have rallied around Porter, with European Indoor 3,000m champion Helen Clitheroe praising her leadership skills.

"She's an absolutely brilliant team captain," said Clitheroe.

"She gave a brilliant team speech last night and inspired us all.

"I'm pretty sure if you asked the majority of the team, they wouldn't know the words to the National Anthem.

"I do, but it's not a requirement to be our team captain, it's about someone who you can look up to, follow and inspire us, and Tiffany's that person." 

Contact the writer of this stort at [email protected]


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