In Olympics, Puerto Rico Fights Like a Nation

Residents don't want to lose special sporting status
By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff
Posted May 6, 2008 10:07 AM CDT
In Olympics, Puerto Rico Fights Like a Nation
Chelsea Clinton greets supporters while handing out flyers on a street in San Juan, Wednesday, April 30, 2008.   (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

Puerto Rico has its own Olympic team, and many residents don't want to give it up, reports  the Wall Street Journal. But if and when the island commonwealth finally makes the transition to US statehood, Puerto Ricans will likely have no option but to compete on the US team. "What will become of our recognition?" asks one resident.

This year, Puerto Rican boxer McJoe Arroyo has a shot at an Olympic medal. "My pride is here in Puerto Rico," says the bantamweight. Meanwhile, the commonwealth is holding its first Democratic presidential primary, highlighting the fact that Puerto Ricans still won't be able to vote in the general election come November. (More Puerto Rico stories.)

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