OPINIONS are split over the news which rocked the Jamaican track and field fraternity last week that four of the country’s elite field events athletes were in advanced stages of transfering national allegiances to Tukiye in exchange for significant financial gain.

The news has reverberated around the country, not just in track and field circles but almost all facets of Jamaican life, and not just on the island but across the Diaspora as well — from the man in the street, the taxi driver and market vendor to the highest reaches of the Government.

Over the past few days the Sunday Observer sought views from present and former athletes. The responses have run the full gamut, from “Hell, yeah! They would not have to ask twice,” to “I don’t think citizenship should able to be bought,” to “I am a diehard Jamaican.”

They all agree that interesting times are ahead. Will the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) and/or the Jamaican Government step in? Can they somehow formalise a lasting partnership with corporate Jamaica to help stem the tide?

Jamaica’s Sport Minister Olivia Grange (right) speaks to Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) President Garth Gayle (centre) and JAAA Vice-President Ian Forbes during a press conference in June 2024. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

Among the former athletes who gave their views are former athletes who have competed at the highest level. Others are just starting their professional careers.

There have been anecdotal stories from coaches and agents about athletes asking for “a link to the Turkiye federation”. These athletes, they say, would have no issue making the move to another country which they believe would “treat their athletes better”.

According to one agent: “[As much as] 90 per cent of my group of athletes was proactive. They were asking me where they could sign up.”

While most who gave opinions requested their names not be revealed, former 400m hurdler Danielle Dowie spoke openly.

Noting she had options when she competed, she said Turkiye or countries with similar culture would not have been among her pick.

“I don’t see myself being able to integrate into their society,” said Dowie who has British heritage through her father. She added that, at the time, the competition in Britain in her event was not the stiffest, hence the switch would have made sense in more ways than one.

“I was at the World Championships in Moscow [2013] and I was considering running for the UK [United Kingdom]. I was scared, foolishly loyal to Jamaica,” she said.

She said some people had encouraged her to make the move. While she held on to her Jamaican dream then, she says if the clock was to be rolled back her decision would be different.

“And I think over time, after thinking about it, I think if I could go back in time I would have definitely switched — but at the time, I didn’t. I didn’t really feel too sure about it,” she said.

In this July 2009 file photo, Danielle Dowie of Jamaica competes in the women’s 400m hurdles during the World Youth Athletics Championships in Italy.

Dowie, who attended Titchfield High and Wolmer’s Girls’ before moving on to the University of Texas, said the support provided by better-funded federations, both financial and otherwise, should not be ignored.

“Simply because they provide more support to the athletes. They get [a] stipend once you’re, like, World Championships worthy and you’re doing stuff and running certain times. They have facilities to care for the athletes in terms of full rehab bill, rehabilitation from any injuries.

“So I definitely looked at the UK programme and once I saw how they took care of, especially the athletes that they took from the Caribbean, and thought that I could have done it. But it wasn’t until later in life that I actually realised… when I think back at it, I was like, maybe I should have gone.”

Requesting anonymity, one young sprinter with an impressive resume in the junior ranks told the
Observer that a switch would be a no-brainer.

“Most definitely! And it is not just for the money alone but for better treatment of us athletes,” said the former ISSA Athletics Championships gold medallist who also tasted team victory.

“This is financial freedom/security beyond their dreams. No doubt, I would have taken the offer. Given my experience with the Administration and their lack of vision for the continuing legacy of the sport… I know they are not looking down the road at what’s best in the interest of the athletes,” the sprinter said.

This sentiment was echoed by a United States-based athlete who requested to withhold their name. The athlete, a middle distance runner who had success at the NCAA Division 1 level, said: “If the opportunity to switch allegiances ever came my way, I would take it without hesitation. I don’t think it reflects poorly on the athlete — it says more about Jamaica’s sports system.

“Jamaica is undeniably a powerhouse in athletics but when it comes to supporting athletes I don’t see enough being done. There’s not much long-term support or structure for athletes, especially after they retire. I don’t think the majority of people in the Jamaican sports community even realise this.”

The middle distance runner said the issues are not limited to the JAAA, and also pointed the finger at the Jamaica Football Federation.

“Looking at how other countries treat their athletes it’s clear they offer far better support. They take care of athletes — both during their careers and after — with systems in place to help them transition once they retire. Jamaica, unfortunately, doesn’t provide that kind of structure, and that’s a problem.

“If I had the chance to change my allegiance to benefit my future and that of my family, I’d absolutely do it. I’m sure many other Jamaican athletes feel the same way. There are a few who wouldn’t consider switching because they already have the support and attention from the Jamaican sports authorities but for the majority, the system isn’t working in their favour,” the middle distance runner explained.

A highly decorated track athlete, who admitted to being approached about a switch at the height of their career when one could transfer allegiance without having to wait three years, balked at the idea.

“I am a diehard Jamaican! I have had the opportunity before but did not take it. You should ask current athletes.”

A former ISSA Championships winner and Penn Relays champion sought to take the middle ground. “I don’t think citizenship should able to be bought, but that being said I understand why they made the decision.”

The former athlete, who is still involved in the sport, added: “Field event athletes on a whole don’t make as much money as the track athletes, and our federation and Government do a poor job of compensating athletes when they do well, so I get it.

“[It is] hard to be training that hard, and putting your body through that much, and not feel like you are able to create a suitable future for yourself and your family. Track and field has been a business for a very long time now, and the powers that be [in] Jamaica need to recognise that.”

One athlete, who recently graduated and is now weighing whether to continue in the sport or go into the job market, told the Observer: “I wouldn’t even [think of switching], though I have had reason to.”

The overseas-based athlete, who is originally from rural Jamaica, said they had not returned to compete at the National Championships because of perceived biases. “It’s mostly the field athletes considering to change because they are treated so poorly. I wish Jamaica would look within itself and see its issue that would cause others to consider leaving, because it’s not just about the money. Other factors play into this that is unseen to the public.”

Another athlete, who has represented two different schools at the ISSA championships, admitted it is a “tough question”.

“If I’m being honest, I can’t even knock anybody for making that move. At the end of the day, it’s easy to talk about loyalty when your belly [is] full and you’re not the one struggling to make ends meet.

“But at the same time, it hurts. As a Jamaican, you grow up with pride in repping that flag, knowing what it means to the world. So when people leave, especially after they benefit from the system here, scholarships, coaching, the ground work that leads to success, essentially, it feels off.

“[But] if my back was against the wall and another country genuinely believed in me, showed me love and support we don’t always get at home… it’s tempting. But I’d like to believe I’d try to make it work here first before jumping ship. I guess it’s one of those things where you don’t know what you’d do till the opportunity actually knocks,” the athlete reasoned.