JAAA President ‘Saddened’ by Athlete’s Decision to Switch to Turkey

Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, JAAA, president, Garth Gayle, says he’s sadden by the decision by four Jamaican athletes who’ve switched allegiance to Turkey.

Olympic Discus champion and record holder Roje Stona, Paris Shot Put bronze medallist Rajendra Campbell, World and Olympic Long Jump silver medallist Wayne Pinnock and Triple Jump star Jaydon Hibbert have all decided to wear the colours of the West Asian country.

Gayle was speaking publicly about the move for the first time.

Gayle says he wished the athletes had consulted with the Jaaa’s or even members of their management team to discuss the matter, but he admitted that they would still be powerless to stop them given the massive offer from Turkey.

Gayle says he’s yet to recieve any documentation from World Athletics regarding the move, but says he will not stand in the way of the athletes when the official requests forms arrive on his desk.

JAAA president Garth Gayle speaking to Nationwide Sports.