"It's very frustrating when there's no other reason why countries that have poor human rights and democracy records don't get sanctioned," he said.

What countries are sanctioned by the U.S., and what are those sanctions?

In early 2010, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa alleged his country was being sanctioned because of ties to Iran.

Many countries around the world have their own ultrarunning organizations, often the national athletics federation of that country, or are sanctioned by such national athletics organizations.

There is also a possibility that the country could be sanctioned by the World Bank if found in breach of trade and investment agreements signed bilaterally with the United Kingdom.

The country has been sanctioned by the international community for refusing to follow the ban on whaling.