Jamaica’s rising sprint star Bryan Levell, known for his explosive speed in the 200m, has reportedly received a lucrative offer from Turkey to switch allegiance.
The 21-year-old, who burst onto the scene with a personal best of 19.97 seconds in 2024 and a wind-aided 19.79 seconds in 2025, is currently weighing his options as the athletics world watches closely.
Bryan Levell performances this season, including a strong showing at the Racers Grand Prix and consistent appearances in major meets, have made him one of Jamaica’s most promising talents.
Athletes Who Have Already Joined Turkey from Jamaica and Other Countries
Rajindra Campbell
Turkey’s aggressive recruitment drive is not new. Over recent years, the country has attracted several high-profile athletes from Jamaica and other nations seeking better financial incentives and competitive opportunities.
Notably, Bryan Levell joins Jamaican athletes who have switched allegiance to Turkey, including sprinters Kemarley Brown and Shanieka Ricketts, both of whom have become key figures in Turkey’s athletics roster.
Olympic shot put bronze medallist Rajindra Campbell and discus gold medallist Roje Stona have also joined Turkey.
Beyond Jamaica, Turkey has also welcomed athletes from countries such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Ukraine, broadening its talent pool. This strategy has helped Turkey rapidly improve its standing in international athletics by offering attractive contracts and training support to athletes willing to compete under the Turkish flag.
Reactions from Athletics Federations
The recruitment tactics employed by Turkey have sparked mixed reactions from various athletics federations.
The Jamaican Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has expressed concern over the loss of top talent, with Bryan Levell being the latest. Emphasising the importance of loyalty and national pride.
Officials have also hinted at tightening regulations to “block” or delay transfers to safeguard their athlete pool. Earlier this week, the JAAA threatened to push World Athletics to change the allegiance law.
Athletics Federation of Nigeria Accepts Ofili’s Decision to Switch Nationality to Turkey
Similarly, federations from other countries affected by Turkey’s recruitment have voiced worries about the impact on their national teams and the ethics of such transfers.
Some argue that while athletes have the right to seek better opportunities, the aggressive nature of these offers could undermine the spirit of fair competition and national representation.
As Bryan Levell considers his future, the question remains: who will be the next star to face Turkey’s tempting offer, and how will the global athletics community respond to this growing trend?