Jamaican Olympic medalists Rojé Stona and Rajindra Campbell have reportedly switched their sporting allegiance to Turkey in a move that has stunned the island’s athletics community.
The development, confirmed by Turkish track and field officials on Thursday, is said to be driven by a lucrative offer that includes a US$500,000 signing bonus, monthly stipends, and six-figure incentives for podium finishes at major championships.
Rojé Stona, had previously attempted to transition into the NFL before returning to athletics. He made history at the last Olympic Games in Paris by winning gold in the men’s discus throw with a record-breaking mark of 70.00m.
Campbell, meanwhile, earned bronze in the men’s shot put. This made them the first Jamaican athletes ever to win medals in those two events on the Olympic stage.
Why Turkey?
Their decision to compete for Turkey comes as part of a broader recruitment campaign led by Turkish athletics authorities. They are targeting top-tier athletes in preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Behind the scenes, the deal is believed to have been brokered by a prominent American sports agent with deep ties in international athletics.
Once the switch is finalized expected by the end of June, Stona and Campbell will join fellow Jamaican-born athletes Jacques Harvey and Winston Barnes. They previously transferred to Turkey and now compete as Jak Ali Harvey and Emre Zafer Barnes. Harvey, shares the Turkish 100m national record of 9.92 seconds. He teamed up with Barnes in a 4x100m relay squad that set a national record of 37.98 seconds.
Reports also suggest a third Jamaican athlete may be in talks with Turkey, though their status remains unclear.
The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has yet to release an official statement. The news has already caused considerable unease within the local sports fraternity. If confirmed, the departure of Stona and Campbell would mark a significant loss for Jamaica.
