Jamaica’s track and field fraternity has been shaken by reports that two of the country’s elite athletes are believed to have formally committed to switching allegiance to Türkiye—a move that would render them ineligible to represent Jamaica at global events for the next three years, including this year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The revelation, first broken by Sportsmax.TV on Sunday, follows covert negotiations reportedly led by a prominent American sports agent known for his deep ties within international athletics. Multiple well-placed sources indicate that the athletes—both global medal winners in recent years—have accepted an offer that includes a US$500,000 signing bonus, monthly stipends, and six-figure incentives for podium finishes at major championships.

The move is part of an aggressive recruitment drive by Turkish athletics authorities, who are aiming to strengthen their medal prospects for Los Angeles 2028. According to sources, the selected athletes are expected to finalize their Turkish citizenship and residency by the end of June, in order to satisfy World Athletics’ three-year eligibility requirement in time for the next Olympic cycle.

A third Jamaican athlete is also believed to be in the conversation, but their status remains unclear. Some reports suggest the athlete is weighing the offer, while others indicate no decision has yet been made.

The financial incentive has proven difficult to ignore, particularly in a sport where even the most talented athletes can face income instability. However, several other Jamaican athletes—many of them based at leading local clubs—reportedly rejected similar offers. Their camps have since distanced themselves from the negotiations, underscoring a broader concern over the ethics and implications of such transfers.

The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has yet to issue a public statement, but the situation has sparked widespread unease within the sporting community. If confirmed, the departures would represent a significant loss to Jamaica’s Olympic program and could set a precedent that undermines the island’s decades-long dominance in global sprinting.

With the Los Angeles Games still three years away, the story of these transfers is only just beginning—but their impact on the Jamaican sporting landscape could be profound.