Rather than embrace the fact that one of the world's premier athletes was eager to represent the country, Clemens Prokop, president of the German Athletics Federation DLV took umbrage to the fact that the race could serve the dual purpose of helping Mikitenko prepare for a fall marathon and announced that the federation would cease all financial support of Mikitenko.
"I don't want any money from the federation," Mikitenko said defiantly. "I am a professional. If the federation decides to be like this, then it is like this."
Nevertheless, when Mikitenko steps to the starting line in London this Sunday, she will be wearing the red, black and gold colors of Germany and a bib sprawled with her Russian-sounding name, uninterested in her lack of popularity.
"Irina Mikitenko is who I am," she said. "I do not want to be somebody else."
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