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Justin Gatlin has joined Asafa Powell in wanting Jamaica to increase its track and field athletes' welfare following Roje Stona and Rajindra Campbell's decision to switch allegiances to Turkey.
American sprint legend Justin Gatlin has thrown his support behind former rival Asafa Powell, echoing concerns about the treatment and welfare of Jamaican athletes.
The endorsement comes in the wake of a series of high-profile defections from Jamaica’s track and field team to Turkey, raising fresh questions about athlete support and administration in one of track’s most storied nations.
Earlier this month, a wave of allegiance switches rocked Jamaican athletics. First reported by veteran journalist Kayon Raynor, the exodus began with Olympic discus champion Roje Stona and shot put bronze medalist Rajindra Campbell, Jamaica’s only Olympic medalists in throwing events.
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11:48 - 28.06.2025
'She Showed That I Should Have Stayed Longer' – Usain Bolt Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
Usain Bolt paid a touching tribute to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, admitting her enduring greatness made him feel he retired too soon.
The blow was compounded by the loss of Jaydon Hibbert, the 19-year-old triple jump sensation who owns the nine best junior marks in history, and Wayne Pinnock, a consistent silver medalist in the long jump on the global stage.
Just days later, Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili joined the Jamaican quartet in declaring for Turkey.
The defections have not only significantly weakened Jamaica’s medal hopes but have also placed the Jamaican Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) under intense scrutiny.
While fans and commentators debate the long-term implications, Justin Gatlin has weighed in with a clear message: he stands with the athletes.
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“I’m for the athletes 100%,” Gatlin said on his Ready Set Go podcast. “At the end of the day, the reality is: athletes only get one career. That’s it. You have to make the best of it.”
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10:41 - 28.06.2025
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Gatlin emphasised the economic and professional realities that athletes face in an increasingly globalized sporting world.
“If you know you’re talented enough to showcase your ability on a global stage and stand on top of the podium, that puts you in a very small percentage of people who can truly be successful in this world. If I were in that situation — I would switch.
“ It’s going to be lucrative. All my hard work would finally pay off. And most importantly, I’d feel appreciated. I’d be treated like a true professional athlete.”
He also criticized aspects of the sport that, in his view, still function at an amateur level, despite the athletes being considered professionals.
“We say we’re professionals, but so much is still handled in an amateur way. That’s just the reality. And this isn’t to knock Jamaica or their federation — we don’t know what’s happening behind closed doors. Maybe there just isn’t enough money to take care of the athletes the way they should.”
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09:40 - 28.06.2025
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Moved by Usain Bolt's Support in Her Final Race on Jamaican Soil
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce expressed heartfelt gratitude for Usain Bolt's support during her farewell race on Jamaican soil.
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Gatlin also referenced a video from retired Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell published back in April on his YouTube channel, who openly questioned whether he would choose to represent Jamaica again if given a second chance after once turning down a lucrative opportunity to represent another nation in 2006..
“Remember what Asafa said? ‘If I had the decision to make all over again, I would. And I don’t think my kids will run for Jamaica unless things change.’ No athlete spoke out against that. He was telling the truth — and it aged well. It definitely aged well.”
As Powell’s comments continue to resonate, and as elite talent seeks opportunities abroad, the JAAA faces growing pressure to reassess its athlete support structures and funding transparency.
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