Five Kenyan runners blocked from switching allegiance to Turkey

World Athletics has on Friday rejected applications by five Kenyan athletes seeking to transfer their allegiance to Turkey.

The athletes are part of a group of 11 who are now accused of attempting to switch nationality after being lured by more attractive and lucrative financial deals compared to their home countries.

According to Jamaican journalist Kayron Raynor, Turkey is considering an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport over the decision.

The Kenyan athletes involved include Brigid Kosgei, a 2021 Olympic marathon silver medallist and former world record holder; Catherine Reline Amanang'ole, a 2023 World Half Marathon bronze medallist; Nelvin Jepkemboi; Ronald Kwemoi, a 2024 Olympic 5,000m silver medallist; and Brian Kibor.

World Athletics said the applications were rejected as a group, ruling that they did not constitute independent individual requests. Instead, they were deemed part of a coordinated recruitment strategy aimed at attracting overseas athletes through lucrative contracts.

The governing body added that this approach contravenes the core principles of its eligibility and transfer-of-allegiance regulations and undermines the credibility of national representation.

Turkey’s attempt to recruit 11 foreign athletes ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics also includes Nigeria’s Favour Ofili, who finished sixth in the 200m at the 2024 Olympics, and reportedly sought a switch following administrative issues with the Nigerian federation.

The list further includes Jamaican athletes Rojé Stona, the 2024 Olympic discus champion; Rajindra Campbell, a 2024 Olympic bronze medallist; Wayne Pinnock, a 2024 Olympic silver medallist; and Jaydon Hibbert, who finished fourth at the 2024 Olympics.

Sophia Yakushina, a Russian heptathlete with a personal best of 6,260 points, completes the list of athletes targeted by Turkey.

By the time of publication, Athletics Kenya had not responded to the claims. The developments have raised serious questions about why some Kenyan athletes may prefer switching allegiance to other countries rather than remaining loyal to their nation.