After securing her first long-term corporate deal, national triple jump star Shanieka Ricketts is hoping she
can inspire more athletes to stay loyal to Jamaica amidst lucrative offers from foreign countries.

On Monday, the Olympic and multiple World Championship silver medallist signed a multimillion-dollar agreement with Dolla Financial Services. Though the exact value hasn’t been revealed, the deal is expected to support Ricketts until the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Dolla Financial chairman Walter Scott says the company had to step in following the Jamaica Observer’s exclusive interview with Ricketts’ husband and coach, Kerry Lee, last Friday in light of Turkey securing the commitment of four of Jamaica’s top field athletes including Olympic discus throw champion Roje Stona.

“I read this thing as you do on a morning, having a coffee and reading the Observer and I see this story with Kerry-Lee pouring out his heart about all the struggles they’ve been through and how loyal Mrs Ricketts has been to Jamaica despite the offers that she has gotten,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

“It resonated with me — it was something we ought to get involved in. She’s a spectacular athlete and so I made some calls, spoke to my CEO, spoke to persons in the Olympic movement, they put it together and here we are. We’re happy to have her as our brand ambassador for loyalty for this is what it’s about. Loyalty goes both ways — we are supporting the athlete and the athlete has demonstrated her loyalty and will do well.”

Ricketts says the new partnership is proof that good financial opportunities exists for local athletes.

“I think it’s a big step forward especially with everything that’s happening with persons choosing to compete for Turkey,” she told the Observer.

“I think it shows that corporate Jamaica cares and I can only hope that other companies will be inspired by this and come on board, not just for me but other athletes and just come behind us, support us so we can continue representing Jamaica to the best of our abilities.”

The 33-year-old, has proven to be one of the island’s most consistent athletes with a silver medals at the Paris Olympics last year and consecutive silver medals at the 2019 and 2022 World Championships.

It’s why she has been a target for countries overseas since 2019. The Observer understands a middle eastern country was one of the first to approach Ricketts with other European and Asian countries also attempting to persuade her.

With Turkey and other nations eyeing more Jamaican talent, Ricketts is hoping others will follow her lead and put Jamaica first despite the challenges that exist locally.

“The aim is always to inspire. I believe that we need to have role models and we need to see persons doing well and being loyal to the country, regardless of whether or not it’s profitable,” she said.

“I can understand and respect why others might need to leave, but for me, I believe it’s important to stay true to Jamaica because everything, my entire career, I have to credit Jamaica and everything I’ve accomplished, so I think it’s important for persons to see and for everyone to be loyal to their country.”

Ricketts, based in St Elizabeth, is aiming to become Jamaica’s second-ever world champion ahead of this September’s World Championships in Tokyo.

She believes a gold medal could instil more confidence in the island’s track and field programme.

“It would mean a lot. I’ve had successes at previous World Championships, a few silver medals, so the aim is always to go bigger and this year, I’m hoping to be on top of the podium. In light of everything, that will give Jamaica hope and also inspire the next generation of athletes to know that you can stay at home and still be successful,” said Ricketts.

Ricketts will be in action this weekend at the National Senior Championships at the National Stadium.

— Daniel Blake