The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has issued a formal statement addressing recent media reports that several of the country’s top track and field athletes have opted to switch allegiance to represent Turkey.
According to the reports, Roje Stona, reigning Olympic champion and record holder in the men’s discus, Rajindra Campbell, Olympic bronze medallist in the shot put, and Jaydon Hibbert, the World Under-20 triple jump record holder, have agreed to represent the European nation. The athletes are reportedly set to receive significant financial incentives, including a US$500,000 signing bonus, monthly stipends, and six-figure payouts for podium finishes at major championships.
Further speculation suggests that Wayne Pinnock, Olympic and World Championship silver medallist in the long jump, could also join the group in making the switch.
In its official release, the JAAA stated that it “notes media reports regarding the transfer of allegiance of Jamaican athletes,” and clarified that “the transfer of allegiance of athletes is a process that involves the requisite national federations and requires the approval of World Athletics.”
Crucially, the governing body emphasized that it has not been formally notified of any such transfers. “The JAAA wishes to inform the public that, to date, it has neither been notified nor received a request for the transfer of allegiance of any of our Jamaican athletes, whether those mentioned in the referenced media reports or any others,” the statement read.
The Garth Gayle-led administration also affirmed its commitment to due process, adding that it “will continue to be guided by the World Athletics Transfer of Allegiance Regulations and will engage with the requisite processes” as necessary.
