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19 Jun, 2025
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Jamaica's Olympic champion makes nationality switch to Turkey as two others join growing list
@Source: pulsesports.ng
Jamaica's best throwers are set to make nationality switch to Turkey with more expected to join ahead of LA 2028 Olympic Games. At least three prominent Jamaican athletes have reportedly changed their nationality to Turkey, with several others expected to join this growing list. Top on the names of athletes is 26-year-old Roje Stona, who broke the Olympic record in the men's Discus Throw to win the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games, thus becoming Jamaica's first Olympic Champion in a throwing event. Also on the list is Rajindra Campbell - Paris Olympics bronze medallist in the men's Shot Put event. Finally, a triple jumper is also reported to be finalizing his switch according to a consultant with the Turkish Sports Ministry, Onder Ozbilen. Reports say the effort is part of a broader push by Turkey to bolster its Olympic medal chances through naturalization, with several top Jamaican athletes being approached quietly in recent weeks. Turkey's recruitment drive is 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 athletes who accept the nationality switch are set to receive an upfront payment of at least $500,000 per athlete, and promises of substantial monthly stipends and performance bonuses. Some Jamaican athletes who have switched allegiance to Turkey in the past include Emre Zafer Barnes and Jak Ali Harvey.
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