Four (4) Jamaican athletes, including Rojé Stona...Discus gold medalist in the France 2024 Olympics, Radrinja Campbell - Shot Put Bronze medalist in s France 2024 Olympics and Jaydon Hibbert (long and triple jump winner at the 2022 CARIFTA Games) have switched their allegiance from Jamaica to Turkey.
These are the only names revealed so far by SportsMax (a leading Caribbean Sports Media Outlet).
The other will be revealed as soon as the Jamaica Athletics Administration Association (JAAAs -the governing body for athletics on island) announces these names in the next few hours to days.
According to Sports Max article, "Opinion - The Price of Allegiance: Jamaica’s Talent Drain to Turkey Raises Alarming Questions", the athletes were lured by the USD $500,000 signing bonuses, promises of 6-figure awards for podium finishes and monthly stipends.
Additionally they can still keep their existing shoe contracts and can still compete on Athletics circuit.
Well this has been a topical issue in Jamaica for the past two (2) days, with some people pondering who will be poached next.
Jamaica, although producing top-quality athletes (whom we are proud of and sing their praises), doesn't seem to be able to offer enough incentive for some of our athletes to stay.
The reality is that these athletes have a limited time period to earn their money from athletics and without proper sponsorship, can't ply their trade.
So when lucrative offers come their way, they are more than tempted to leave.
Whilst we wish them well, we can't wonder what the JAAAs will be doing about securing Jamaica's athletics talent pool.
Today, leading sports journalist, Wayne Walker, reported on Nationwide This Morning that the JAAAs turned down a lucrative JMD $6 billion (USD $40 million) shoe contract from a major shoe supplier (that would have supported both senior and younger athletes)...for reasons only beknowst to them.
Surely this is no way to treat Jamaica's athletics programme.
If people at the helm of the JAAAs don't fully understand the ramifications of their actions...then frankly they shouldn't be there.
We wait with bated breath? really? to hear from the JAAAs re this matter.
Will keep you updated!
Gillian
Sources Include
1) Article, "Opinion - The Price of Allegiance: Jamaica’s Talent Drain to Turkey Raises Alarming Questions", By Leighton Levy via SportsMax, June 19,2025
2)Youtube Video, "Roje Stona, Rajindra Campbell & Jaydon Hibbert switching to Turkey?" by SportsMax TV, June 19,2025
3)Youtube Video, "Jamaicans Stona & Campbell Switch to Turkey | SportsMax Zone" by SportsMax TV, June 19,2025
4)Radio Programme, Nationwide This Morning, Nationwide Radio, June 20, 2025