For years, the world of track and field has watched Jamaican athletics with a mix of admiration and worry. This island nation, famous for its incredible sprinters, has always been a powerhouse. But beneath all the glory lies a stubborn problem: Jamaican athletes often struggle financially. Even with their global success, many have a tough time getting the money they need to keep their careers going. This issue has really bothered the sporting community, with athletes often having to rely on their own savings or very limited government help just to compete at the highest levels. But who’s talking about it now.

Well, Rajindra Campbell, who won a bronze medal in shot put at the 2024 Paris Olympics, openly shared his frustrations in an October 2024 interview on @SportsMax_Carib’s “Out D Blocks.” He pointed out the lack of appreciation and support from Jamaica, saying, “We don’t feel the appreciation coming out of Jamaica.” Campbell’s disappointment was clear when he compared the warm welcome he got in Joplin, Missouri, to how little attention he received back home. His comments echoed a feeling shared by many Jamaican athletes who feel their own country has neglected them. Even with such honest revelations, the situation hasn’t really changed, leaving many to wonder if the system is beyond repair. And now the repercussions have erupted. 

The shocking news that broke on June 19, 2025, only made these concerns worse. Track & Field Gazette reported that Olympic discus throw champion Roje Stona has switched his allegiance to Turkey, and Rajindra Campbell is likely to follow. This development, confirmed by sources close to the Turkish Sports Ministry and detailed by consultant Onder Ozbilen, is a huge blow to Jamaican athletics. Sources close to the situation say this effort is part of a broader push by Turkey to bolster its Olympic medal chances through naturalization, with several top Jamaican athletes being quietly approached in recent weeks.

The recruitment drive is reportedly operating with urgency, as the athletes must acquire Turkish citizenship and residency before the end of this month in order to satisfy the three-year eligibility rule enforced by World Athletics for the 2028 Olympic Games. The allure of financial security abroad was just too strong, with Turkey reportedly offering an upfront payment of at least $500,000 per athlete, along with monthly stipends and performance bonuses, as reported by Sportsmax. This move allows Stona and Campbell to become Turkish citizens by the end of June, meeting World Athletics’ three-year eligibility rule for the 2028 Olympics.

So, what does this exodus mean for the future of Jamaican track and field? The departure of these elite athletes raises serious questions about whether enough support systems are in place and the potential loss of national pride. As fans, we’re left wondering if this is just the beginning of a bigger shift in the global sports scene, where financial incentives overshadow loyalty to one’s country. The story of neglect and the promise of a better future abroad paints a troubling picture for Jamaican athletics, one that definitely needs immediate attention and action.

Jamaican Athletes Have Switched to Turkey in the Past Too

For those of us who bleed green and gold, hearing about Roje Stona and Rajindra Campbell switching their allegiance to Turkey feels like a fresh, painful blow. But if we look back, this isn’t the first time Jamaican track and field stars have packed their bags for new opportunities.

Take Emre Zafer Barnes, for example. Born Winston Barnes in 1988, this talented sprinter made the switch, and in 2015, he won the 100m at the Salzburg Athletics Gala. He even grabbed a bronze at the 2021 Islamic Solidarity Games. Then there’s Jak Ali Harvey, originally Jacques Montgomery Harvey, born in 1989. He’s another sprinter who’s found success under the Turkish flag, including a silver medal in the 100m at the 2016 European Athletics Championships. Both of these athletes, proudly from Jamaica, chose to compete for Turkey, a decision that opened doors to different resources and competitive avenues.

This isn’t a new phenomenon, but it certainly makes you wonder: what drives these athletes to leave their Jamaican roots behind for Turkey? The consistent answer seems to be the pull of better financial support and more opportunities to compete at a high level. As we try to make sense of these latest departures, we have to ask ourselves, is this a continuing trend, or can Jamaica find a way to stem the tide? The future of Jamaican track and field feels like it’s hanging in the balance, and it leaves us with a burning question: can our nation reclaim its athletic pride?