World Athletics Blocks 11 Athletes’ Nationality Shift to Turkey

Following the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where Brigid Kosgei secured marathon silver for Kenya, World Athletics has denied 11 top-tier athletes’ requests to switch to Turkish nationality. The decision highlights concerns over a strategic effort by the Turkish government to lure international talent with substantial financial incentives.

The athletes involved span multiple nations, comprising five Kenyans, four Jamaicans, one Nigerian, and a Russian. Among them is Roje Stona, the Jamaican discus champion who claimed gold in Paris during the 2024 Games. Despite Turkey’s eight total medals at those Olympics, none were gold. The governing body emphasized that the transfer of allegiance would undermine key principles of its eligibility guidelines.

“Allowing these transfers would impinge upon and compromise the imperatives underlying the World Athletics eligibility rules and transfer of allegiance regulations,” the organization stated. “The applications, through a wholly-owned and financed government club, are part of an aim to facilitate transfers of allegiance and enable athletes to represent Turkey in future events, such as the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.”

World Athletics noted that the panel reviewed the applications collectively due to their shared characteristics. The ruling concluded that the process conflicts with the core principles of the regulations. Consequently, the athletes are barred from competing for Turkey in national or international competitions.

Full List of Affected Athletes

From Kenya: Catherine Relin Amanang’ole, Brian Kibor, Ronald Kwemoi, Nelvin Jepkemboi. Jamaica’s representatives include Rajindra Campbell, Jaydon Hibbert, and Wayne Pinnock. Nigeria’s Favour Ofili and Russian Sophia Yakushina were also part of the group. These individuals now face restrictions in representing Turkey at competitive events.