The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has vowed to address the matter of country switch directly this week. According to the board, no formal request for a transfer has been submitted. “The transfer of allegiance of athletes is a process that involves the requisite national federations and requires the approval of World Athletics,” the JAAA clarified. This raises a pressing question: Are Roje Stona and Rajindra Campbell truly planning to switch to Turkey? Will the organization take any decisive action at the last moment to prevent it? And with Wayne Pinnock potentially eyeing a similar move, is there any real strategy in place to halt the growing trend of athletes changing national affiliation? There just might be—and it could even introduce the kind of support and resources that Jamaican greats like Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce never had during their careers.
On June 24, Jamaican sports journalist Kaynor Raynor shared a video excerpt from a speech by Olivia Grange. In her address, the Jamaican Minister of Sports assured that support would be extended to athletes. She stated, “We will look at how we can expand partnerships with the private sector to provide financial incentives and sponsorship opportunities.” So, what form will this support ultimately take?
In her speech, Olivia Grange outlined several key initiatives, including upgrading training and recovery facilities to align with global standards and providing support for athletes as they transition into post-competition careers through long-term planning services. Additionally, she announced that the government will boost incentives tied to representing the nation, especially for athletes delivering top-tier performances.
#Breaking Days after @TvjNewscentre l confirm that 4 Olympians, includihg 3 medallists, are switching allegiance to Turkey, Sports Minister Olivia Grange says gov’t i moving to establish a national athlete support & retention strategy among other things for elite athletes. pic.twitter.com/D0Uv1gISSa
— Kayon Raynor (@kayraynor) June 24, 2025
The report is developing…
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