A formal submission is to be presented at the World Athletics Congress in Japan by Jamaica, following the news that four of Jamaica’s elite field events athletes have switched allegience to Turkey, just days before the National Senior and Junior Championships.
While addressing concerns about Turkey’s strategy to go for financial inducement to get athletes to switch, JAAA’s President Garth Gayle speaking at a press conference today in Kingston, said Jamaica’s voice will be heard at the congress along with other countries facing similar circumstances.
“The athletes have a right to decide which direction they go. They have to look and ask what they think is in their best interest. So one should not necessarily be upset with the athletes based on the nature of the sport.
Gayle ended by reaffirming the JAAA’s commitment to nurturing talent within Jamaica and challenging unethical practices within the international track and field system.
He added, “We do our best within the resources we have. We respect our athletes, we support them, and we will always try to keep them home. But we are not naive, we know what’s happening, and we will continue to raise our voices in the right forums.”
The argument of athletes switching allegiance to other countries, came into sharp focus when it was confirmed recently that Olympic discus gold medalist Roje Stona , Olympic shot putt bronze medallist Rajindra Campbell and World Under 20 Long Jump record holder Jaydon Hibbert have all made the switch to represent Turkey in time for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
