Switch of allegiance by two Jamaican athletes confirmed

With the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships just a week away, the nation's track and field programme was dealt a body blow on Thursday with confirmation that Olympic discus gold medallist Roje Stona and shot put bronze medallist Rajindra Campbell have completed their switch of allegiance to Turkey.

A consultant with the Turkish Sports Ministry provided details on the development with Radio Jamaica Sports on Thursday. 

Jamaica also looks set to lose world Under 20 triple jump record holder and olympic finalist Jaydon Hibbert, whose passport should be ready in a matter of weeks.

Meanwhile, when contacted on Thursday, JAAA president Garth Gayle said he was yet to receive any official communication from the athletes or the Turkish federation about the transfers.

Based on World Athletics rules, athletes usually have to wait three years before being able to represent their new country, unless both federations and the world body agree on a reduction.