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World Athletics Rejects Turkey's Athlete Nationality Transfer Requests

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

World Athletics denied nationality transfer requests to Turkey from 11 athletes, citing a "coordinated recruitment strategy" by the Turkish government.
The group includes five Kenyans (including Brigid Kosgei, former marathon world record-holder), four Jamaicans (including Roje Stona), a Nigerian, and a Russian.
World Athletics said approving these transfers would undermine its eligibility rules and transfer of allegiance regulations.
Turkey did not win any gold medals at the 2024 Paris Games.

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Story summary

World Athletics denied nationality transfer requests to Turkey from 11 athletes, citing a "coordinated recruitment strategy" by the Turkish government.
The group includes five Kenyans (including Brigid Kosgei, former marathon world record-holder), four Jamaicans (including Roje Stona), a Nigerian, and a Russian.
World Athletics said approving these transfers would undermine its eligibility rules and transfer of allegiance regulations.
Turkey did not win any gold medals at the 2024 Paris Games.