Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) President Garth Gayle has denied allegations that Olympic medalists Roje Stona and Rajindra Campbell switched allegiance to Turkey in exchange for a $500,000 signing bonus.
Garth Gayle told reporters that the JAAA has not received any official documentation. Confirming the athletes’ nationality change and dismissing the reports as “unverified allegations.”
Despite Garth Gayle’s denial, multiple credible sources confirm that Stona and Campbell, who won gold in discus and bronze in shot put, respectively, at the Paris 2024 Olympics, have officially committed to representing Turkey.
Rajindra Campbell
The Turkish Athletics Federation reportedly offered the athletes lucrative contracts, including a $500,000 signing bonus, monthly stipends, family visas, and performance bonuses for podium finishes at major international events.
This move renders both men ineligible to represent Jamaica at global competitions for the next three years, including this year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
However, the switch marks a significant loss for Jamaica, which celebrated the athletes’ historic Olympic achievements.
Sources say the decision stems from frustration over the lack of adequate support for field-event athletes in Jamaica. Fans and former stars, including sprint legend Asafa Powell, have long criticised the country’s focus on sprinting while neglecting throwers and jumpers.
This disparity has pushed athletes like Stona and Campbell to seek better financial security and career opportunities abroad.
Inside the Plan by Other Jamaican Athletes’ Nationality Change
Reports also suggest that other top Jamaican field athletes, such as long jumper Jaydon Hibbert and triple jumper Wayne Pinnock, are considering similar nationality changes to Turkey.
Favour Ofili’s Surprising Switch in Athletic Allegiance Raises Eyebrows
The growing trend of Jamaican athletes switching to Turkey highlights systemic challenges within Jamaica’s athletics administration and raises urgent questions about how the country supports its elite talent.
As the controversy unfolds, President Garth Gayle faces mounting pressure to address these issues and retain Jamaica’s top athletes before more follow suit.