'Loyalty Doesn't Pay Bills' - Wayne Pinnock Reveals Real Reason Behind His Switch from Jamaica to Turkey

Wayne Pinnock Reveals Real Reason Behind His Switch from Jamaica to Turkey

'Loyalty Doesn't Pay Bills' - Wayne Pinnock Reveals Real Reason Behind His Switch from Jamaica to Turkey

Abigael Wafula 11:30 - 20.07.2025

Wayne Pinnock slammed the Jamaican government for its lack of support, citing it as the key reason behind his decision to switch allegiance to Turkey.

Long jumper Wayne Pinnock has opened up about his decision to switch allegiance from Jamaica to Turkey and how life has been since he made the bold move.

According to a series of reports, Wayne Pinnock made the move in June, alongside other Jamaican athletes including Roje Stona, Rajindra Campbell, and Jaydon Hibbert.

The main benefit of switching to Turkey is increased financial compensation, including substantial signing bonuses and monthly stipends, as well as performance-based bonuses.

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Most Jamaican athletes have always complained about financial incentives being lower and the lack of support.

Wayne Pinnock Confirms He Has Switched Allegiance to Turkey

Wayne Pinnock Confirms He Has Switched Allegiance to Turkey
Wayne Pinnock Confirms He Has Switched Allegiance to Turkey

The Olympic silver medallist slammed the Jamaican Athletics Federation, revealing that they had been unsupportive since he started his career, forcing him to go to a country that supported him fully.

Wayne Pinnock expressed concern that if he were to get injured, he was certain Jamaica would not provide support to help him recover.

Pinnock acknowledged that any medical expenses would have to come out of his own pocket. He added that if an opportunity arose where someone would support them, given their contributions to the country, he would appreciate it.

He added that despite representing Jamaica on the global stage and winning medals, he had never even received a congratulatory email from anyone.

“I just got to do it. I mean, I love my country. I do love my country. But loyalty doesn't pay bills as we all know,” Wayne Pinnock said in an interview with the Inside Lane.

“So, I'm just grateful that you know God gave me this opportunity, and I feel like if I had turned down this opportunity, I would have regretted.

"So, you know, I just thank God as I say all the time. Honestly, I think Jamaica need to do better, you know, with the athletes, if I'm being honest.”

The world silver medallist admitted that he missed competing for Jamaica, noting that he had been doing so for over three years and had earned medals during that time.

He emphasised his love for Jamaica but explained that he had to prioritise what was best for himself and his family.

“I prayed about it, and made up my mind whether I'm going to make this decision because it was hard. It wasn't easy. I talked with my family, and they told me to make a life-changing opportunity for myself and my future. I'm just thankful,” he added.

Wayne Pinnock’s decision to switch allegiance to Turkey reflects a difficult but deeply personal choice driven by the need for support, stability, and long-term security.

While his love for Jamaica remains, he made it clear that gratitude and passion alone cannot sustain an athlete’s career.