JAAA stands by want-away stars

The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) said the four Jamaican athletes who applied for a transfer of allegiance are still considered valued members of Jamaica’s track and field following the decision by World Athletics to deny their applications yesterday.

Olympic discus champion and record holder Roje Stona, long jumper Wayne Pinnock, triple jump junior record holder Jaydon Hibbert, and Olympic shot put bronze medallist Rajindra Campbell all applied for a switch of allegiance to Turkiye.

The four athletes were part of a mass effort by the Turkish Athletics Federation to recruit 11 athletes, which also included Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili.

All 11 applications were denied on the basis that the sport’s governing body, World Athletics, believes that the applications were against the spirit of their eligibility rules and their switch-of-allegiance regulations.

“Given the common features across the applications, the panel assessed them together and determined that such an approach is inconsistent with the core principles of the regulations.

“As a result of the decisions, the athletes are not eligible to represent Turkey in national representative competitions or other relevant international events,” the ruling from World Athletics read.

The JAAA acknowledged the decision made and said all four athletes still have a place in the Jamaican national ranks.

“The JAAA acknowledges the recent decision by World Athletics regarding the applications for transfer of allegiance submitted by Roje Stona, Wayne Pinnock, Jaydon Hibbert, and Rajindra Campbell,” a statement from the local governing body said.

“To our athletes, we reaffirm that you remain valued members of the Jamaican track and field fraternity. Whether your path continues under the black, green, and gold, or evolves in a different direction, the JAAA stands ready to engage constructively and provide support where possible,” the statement continued.

NO ATTEMPTS TO BLOCK

The JAAA also confirmed their role in the process and said they made no formal petitions for the applications to be blocked.

The administration maintained that they followed the letter of the law and handled the situation according to World Athletics’ protocols.

“We respect the authority and mandate of World Athletics to safeguard the integrity of international competition. At the same time, the JAAA remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare, development, and advancement of all Jamaican athletes,” the JAAA maintained.

“With respect to the timeline of events, the JAAA became aware in April 2025 – through public reports in the media – that four Jamaican athletes were seeking to transfer allegiance to another federation,” they continued.

“It is important to note that historically, the JAAA has never submitted any petition to World Athletics to block athletes from transferring allegiance. This position reflects our longstanding approach as there have been previous instances of athletes seeking transfers, and the association has consistently respected the established international processes governing such requests.”

As part of their application process, Stona, Hibbert, Pinnock, and Campbell did not compete at the 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships.

‘FORGIVE AND FORGET’

Jamaica Olympic Association President Christopher Samuda said the World Athletics decision has come as a body blow to the four athletes.

He urged the Jamaican public to not judge the athletes for their decision to apply for a switch of allegiance but to welcome them back with open arms.

“A body blow to our countrymen, but the canvass is not their lot in life,” Samuda said.

“Türkiye clearly thought that the investment made would have reset rather than desecrate the ethical compass but had not bargained that World Athletics would have laid down the “ten” commandments in sport,” he continued.

“But in judging our countrymen, let us remember the scriptural injunction: ‘forgive and forget’.”

Gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com