Jamaica’s Track Stars Switch Allegiance: A New Chapter in Athletics

When Jamaica announced its team for this week’s World Championships, three big names were notably absent: Roje Stona, Rajindra Campbell, and Wayne Pinnock. This trio represented half of Jamaica’s track and field medal haul from the Tokyo Olympics last August. Stona made history by winning Jamaica’s first Olympic gold in discus, while Pinnock snagged silver in long jump and Campbell took home bronze in shot put.

So, why are they missing from the lineup? The answer is simple yet significant: all three athletes are switching their allegiance to Turkey. Joining them is Jaydon Hibbert, the Kingston-born triple jumper who, at just 18, made waves by achieving the longest jump in history for a teenager.

The Pursuit of Opportunity

“I had to look out for what is best for me, long term,” Campbell shared with The Athletic during the Diamond League finals in Zurich. Stona echoed this sentiment, stating, “When this opportunity came up, it made a lot of sense professionally.” Pinnock described the move as a “life-changing opportunity.”

Jamaica has long been celebrated as a powerhouse in track and field, especially in sprinting. With a population of less than three million, the island has produced 39 of the 98 Olympic sprinting medals since 2000. Yet, for athletes in field events, the support has often felt lacking.

A Call for Better Support

Stona expressed disappointment, saying, “What we expected after the Olympics… I thought it would be more.” Campbell, too, lamented the lack of support, emphasizing that they are not just athletes but “ambassadors” for Jamaica. “Brand Jamaica is powerful,” he noted, but questioned the commitment to funding field athletes.

The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has yet to respond to inquiries about the athletes’ departures. In a brief statement, they acknowledged media reports but indicated they had not received formal requests regarding the allegiance switches.

Financial Incentives from Turkey

The allure of Turkey’s financial backing is hard to ignore. Reports suggest that Turkey is offering each athlete a $500,000 signing fee, along with monthly stipends. In contrast, Jamaica’s support has been modest, with the JAAA providing only a small stipend and a total of $280,000 in “appreciation scholarships” for all Olympic athletes.

Turkey’s GDP dwarfs Jamaica’s, making it a more attractive option for athletes seeking financial stability. The Turkish Athletics Federation has a history of naturalizing foreign-born athletes, which raises questions about the long-term impact on Jamaica’s athletic legacy.

The Bigger Picture

This mass migration of talent could have lasting effects on Jamaica’s field events. Shanieka Ricketts, who won silver in triple jump at the Olympics, remains committed to Jamaica, but she’s aware of the challenges. “Visibility is key,” she said, hoping that the success of field athletes might inspire future generations.

As Jamaica grapples with these changes, the question remains: how can the nation better support its field athletes to prevent further losses? The story of Stona, Campbell, Pinnock, and Hibbert serves as a reminder that recognition and reward are crucial in the world of athletics.

In a sport where every jump and throw counts, will Jamaica rise to the occasion and ensure its field athletes receive the support they deserve?