Summary
World Athletics has refused 11 top athletes’ requests to change their nationality to Turkey. The organization said Turkey’s government tried to recruit these athletes with large contracts, which breaks the rules about switching countries in sports.
Key Facts
- World Athletics rejected 11 elite athletes’ requests to represent Turkey.
- The athletes included five from Kenya, four from Jamaica, one from Nigeria, and one from Russia.
- Notable athletes denied include marathon runner Brigid Kosgei and Olympic discus champion Roje Stona.
- Turkey’s government was using a state-funded sports club to recruit these athletes.
- The athletes aimed to compete for Turkey in future international events, including the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
- World Athletics said the recruitment broke rules designed to keep competitions fair.
- Turkey did not win any gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
- The rejected athletes cannot represent Turkey in national or international sports events.
