Tag: Athletes

World Athletics prevents 11 athletes from changing allegiances to Turkey Recruitment plan raises concerns World Athletics turned down 11 requests by elite athletes to represent Turkey at international competitions. The officials said that the applications are linked to an effort coordinated to attract foreign athletes by offering attractive financial incentives. According to the governing body, the initiative was led by a sports club backed by the government and was designed to improve Turkey's chances of winning medals at future competitions including the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Athletes of high profile affected Five Kenyans were also part of the group, including former world marathon record-holder Brigid Kossei. The list also included four Jamaicans, one Nigerian and one Russian athlete. Roje Stona won the gold medal in men's discus at the 2024 Paris Games. The other athletes were Catherine Relin Amanang'ole. Brian Kibor. Ronald Kwemoi. Nelvin Jwemboi. Rajindra Campell. Jaydon Hibbert. Wayne Pinnock. Favour Ofili. Sophia Yakushina. World Athletics position World Athletics stated that approving such transfers would be against their eligibility rules. The organization said that there was a pattern in the requests that didn't match up with the rules of the sport regarding changing national representation. It also noted that the decision would compromise the integrity of the international competition. The 11 athletes will no longer be allowed to represent Turkey at any official national or international representative event. Turkish athletics: Background information In recent years, Turkey has heavily invested in talent importation to enhance its performance in global competitions. The country won eight medals in total, but no gold at the Paris Olympics of 2024. World Athletics officials said that the applications were rejected as part of an overall recruitment strategy. This raised questions about fairness and equality in international sports.
Sports

World Athletics prevents 11 athletes from changing allegiances to Turkey

World Athletics turned down 11 requests by elite athletes to represent Turkey…

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