Stefan Waltermann is an American! Only four months after taking fourth in the M55 pentathlon as a German guest at the Charlotte masters nationals, he took the oath as a U.S. citizen — at the Charlotte federal courthouse. But the story was just beginning. He wanted to compete for America, too. And now he’s just received great news — the German athletic federation has given its approval for him to represent the USA. (All he needs now is a simple OK from USA Team Manager Phil Greenwald, which appears to be assured).

Phil — who makes his home in Hickory, North Carolina — described his journey.
On January 3, Stefan wrote:
“After many, many years in the US, I finally became an American citizen December 2006. Truthfully, one of the main reasons to become a citizen was/is my firm desire to be a team member of my friends. I’m a USATF member since 2003 and all my friends in track & field are Americans, not Germans.
“Since the IAAF rule 5 applies (3 years without, 2 years with approval of the former association), I would have to sit out the World Championships 2007 since I’m no longer a German citizen while not eligible as an American. Phil Greenwald pointed out this rule but I responded with questions/suggestions. Now, Phil Greenwald is supportive but I need the German Track & Field folks to agree that the two-year rule starts with my last start for Germany or in Germany (San Sebastian 2005) and not with the date of naturalization.
“It’s pretty interesting how the bureaucracy works in mysterious ways. I contacted the WMA and they were very responsive. USATF responded right away as well. I’m waiting for the German DLV to give me a positive answer. Anything but a positive answer
regarding my start in Italy as an American athlete will be questioned and fought. No individual association has invested any money in me ever. We all pay our own way and I will go to Italy as an American athlete.”
On January 8, Stefan wrote me:
“Since the dealings with all concerned officials (USATF, DLV, WMA) was a very positive experience, I would like people to find out about it . While I’m highly critical of bureaucrats and functionaries, I need to acknowledge that there are good guys out there. Without an organizational structure, we would have nothing. That’s why I believe we should support and praise those among us, who do make a difference.
“I became an American citizen on December 8, 2006, a memorable day for me. On December 11, I contacted USATF to change my status to reflect my American citizenship. Andy Martin, Director of Grass Roots Programs, answered within two hours, congratulating me, telling me what to do about the change of status and promising me to copy a few individuals regarding my question concerning my wish to compete as an American at international championships starting immediately.
“On January 1, I received an e-mail from Phillip Greenwald, USA Team Manager – Masters Track & Field. Phil had done some research and stated the official IAAF rule regarding change of citizenship. His short answer was that I would have to represent Germany in 2007. Following an agreement of both, the USATF and the Deutscher Leichtathletic Verband, I could compete for the US starting September of 2008. Phil copied Charles Des Jardins, an expert of citizenship issues with the expectation that he might add more information. Phil also congratulated me on my American citizenship.
“Mr. Greenwald’s e-mail was matter of fact and correct. However, I felt that the IAAF rule 5 left room for interpretation. After all, I’m living in the US for a very long time and only competed in World Championships for Germany. I told Mr. Greenwald that I would contact the German Track & Field Federation DLV as well as WMA to get their input. He answered immediately that the rule clearly states that the waiting period starts with the day of citizenship, i.e. December 8, 2006 but if the German DLV would not care, nobody else would either.
“I contacted Friedel Schunk, Treasurer and Rule Committee member of the WMA. His answer was immediate and thorough. He told me to contact USATF-Masters and get in touch with (USATF Masters Secretary) Lester Mount. Since I do not have any close connection, no official starting pass etc. in Germany, a case could be made to let me start for my new country without any delay. If I needed further help, he would be glad to assist me.
“Next, I contacted the German DLV and asked for a release. It arrived today, short and to the point: ‘No problem, here is your release.’
“I forwarded the e-mail to Mr. Greenwald, asking him to kindly accept me into the family of American track & field athletes. I’m looking forward to his answer.”
In Stefan’s latest note, he was still awaiting Phil’s approval.
Stefan wrote: “I’ll let you know the official USATF reaction to the DLV e-mail release. Honestly, I’ll be a very happy man when I can call my American masters friends teammates!”
Me again:
I’m delighted to hear that the German DLV hasn’t gone hard-ass the way the Kenyan track federation did with Bernard Lagat — keeping him from competing in the latest IAAF World Championships desite his American citizenship.
Stefan is not a ringer — a world-class athlete brought in to up the American medal count. In fact, Stefan is a true amateur — competing for the love of sport and affection for his American teammates. If that isn’t the Olympic ideal, I don’t know what is.
Welcome to America, Stefan! We’re honored to have you.