Athletes take part in a previous race/FILEKenya could soon face a talent drain crisis in middle and long-distance running as Turkey intensifies efforts to poach elite athletes in a bid to bolster its squad for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The East African powerhouse, long revered as the cradle of distance running, has seen a steady stream of athletes switching allegiances over the years in search of better opportunities, both financially and competitively.
Notable among the converts is Olympic and world 3,000m steeplechase champion Winfred Yavi, who swapped her Kenyan singlet for Bahrain’s colours as a teenager in 2016.
She followed in the footsteps of fellow Olympic steeplechase gold medallist Ruth Jebet, who also defected to Bahrain. However, Turkey now appears to be the new hotspot for Kenya’s rising stars.
Among those who have already crossed over are Yasmine Can (formerly Vivian Jemutai), a four-time European champion who switched in 2015, Kaan Kigen Ozbilen (formerly Mike Kipruto Kigen) and Ali Kaya (formerly Stanley Kiprotich Mukche). The growing list paints a clear picture that Turkey is methodically assembling a formidable athletics force for upcoming global events, with the LA Olympics squarely in its sights.
Kenya is not alone in facing this talent raid. Jamaica, renowned for its sprint factory, has also raised alarm over reports that Turkey is aggressively recruiting its athletes.
The JAAA (Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association) has acknowledged the reports but stated they are currently investigating and awaiting official documentation.
Several prominent Jamaican athletes, including Roje Stona and Rajindra Campbell, are reportedly in the process of switching their allegiance to Turkey, a move that has sparked debate and concern.
Stona, 26, is the 2024 Olympic discus champion while Campbell is the Olympic discus bronze medallist. A source privy to the ongoing Turkish recruitment drive told The Star that there are a few more athletes who could soon switch allegiance. “We have some top athletes who are currently in the process of being recruited, including Nelvin Jepkemboi and Catherine Reline, who are both top long-distance runners.”
Reline is the 2023 World Half Marathon bronze medallist, whereas Jepkemboi is the 2024 Lille 5k winner. Kenya remains a prime target due to its unmatched depth in distance running.
“Kenyan middle and long distance athletes are in high demand and Turkey is keen on recruiting our athletes to build a formidable team,” the source said.
The allure of nationality switches, the source explained, is driven by fierce domestic competition and the promise of financial security. “We have very high competition in our country during the trials; only the top three cut major competitions. Those who don’t get chances will be forced to seek alternatives elsewhere.”
“If you look at Kenya, there are a lot of athletes who meet qualifications for, say, the Olympics and World Championships, but only a few are selected. In European nations, they struggle to meet those standards; hence, they recruit our athletes who are assured slots.”
Yavi acknowledged that her decision to switch to Bahrain was after missing out on team Kenya slots on numerous occasions during the trials.
“The competition was stiff. You know that in Kenya, we have a lot of athletes, and to get that chance, you should at least try out for the Kenyan team. You can get into the Kenyan team, but you find that they take only two people; if you are number two or number four, you miss out. I was ready, but I never got a chance,” Yavi said in a previous interview.
Since her transfer, Yavi has flourished, winning double gold at the 2019 Asian Championships (5,000m and 3,000m steeplechase) and bagging steeplechase titles at the 2018 and 2022 Asian Games.
The hallmark of her career, however, is claiming the World title in Budapest 2023 and the Olympic title in Paris for Bahrain. Financial incentives are another key driver.
“Money is a big factor when it comes to switching nationalities. When these athletes represent other countries, they get much more money than they would here, and they are also appreciated more.”
But it’s not always a clean process. Brokers, acting independently of Athletics Kenya (AK), reportedly handle most of the transfers, often reaping more profit than the athletes themselves.
“The federation is not involved because we have brokers who get the athletes the citizenship in other countries. These brokers benefit more than the athletes financially.”
With defections growing in number, the source warns that Kenya could soon pay the price. “Shortly, if this trend continues, Kenya will struggle to get medals at major competitions.”
