Shock as Brigid Kosgei Among 11 Athletes Linked with Allegiance Switch to Turkey Ahead of LA 2028 Olympics

Former world marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei has reportedly been linked with a potential switch of allegiance to Turkey ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, a development that has sent shockwaves through the athletics world.

According to multiple reports, Kosgei is among a group of 11 elite athletes whose names allegedly appeared in a now-deleted post shared by the Turkish Athletics Federation. The post is said to have outlined athletes expected to represent Turkey at the LA 2028 Olympics.

Track and Field Gazette, via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, claimed that the athletes’ names were part of a wider 53-member Turkish provisional Olympic roster. Although no official confirmation has been issued, the reports have fueled widespread debate across the global athletics community.

Brigid Kosgei Among 11 Athletes Expected to Switch Allegiance

The reported list suggests that Brigid Kosgei, fresh from an impressive victory at the Shanghai Marathon, could spearhead a strong Kenyan group poised to change national allegiance.

Also mentioned is Ronald Kwemoi, the Olympic 5000m silver medallist, whose inclusion would represent a major coup for Turkey. Catherine Amanang’ole, the reigning ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon champion who turns 24 this year, is another prominent name on the list.

Completing the Kenyan quartet are Brian Kibor and Nelvin Jepkemboi, both highly rated distance runners who have been making steady progress on the international stage.

Rojé Stona Leads the Jamaican Contingent

The reported Jamaican contingent is led by Olympic discus champion Rojé Stona, who made history in Paris by breaking the Olympic record to win Jamaica’s first-ever gold medal in the event.

Stona is joined by fellow Olympic medalists Rajindra Campbell, who claimed bronze in the shot put, and Wayne Pinnock, a silver medallist in the long jump. Rising triple jump star Jaydon Hibbert also features prominently among the names linked to the move.

In past interviews, several of the Jamaican athletes have openly expressed frustration over limited financial backing and perceived neglect by their federation, particularly toward field events, which they say are overshadowed by sprinting.

Reports indicate that Turkey has dangled lucrative offers, including a signing bonus of up to $500,000 and generous monthly stipends, in a bid to attract top global talent for LA 2028.

Meanwhile, Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili has officially confirmed her switch to Turkey, citing persistent administrative failures that led to her missing major events at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.

She is joined by 19-year-old Russian heptathlon prodigy Sophia Yakushina, who has acquired Turkish citizenship as a pathway around ongoing international bans affecting Russian athletes and to secure eligibility for the 2028 Games.