Millions former marathon record holder will get for switching allegiance from Kenya to Turkey

Former world women’s marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei is set to earn millions after switching her sporting allegiance from Kenya to Turkey.

Turkey has reportedly been offering life-changing incentives to elite athletes as it positions itself as a major medal contender at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

According to multiple reports, the package includes a signing bonus of up to $500,000 (approximately Ksh64.5 million), along with lucrative monthly stipends and long-term support.

Kosgei is among five Kenyan athletes reported earlier this week to have accepted big-money offers from Turkey.

The 31-year-old confirmed the move, revealing that discussions with Turkish officials began as early as 2024 before being finalized last year.

“Yes, it is true, I changed my nationality to Turkish. It was my decision, and I am happy to compete under the Turkish flag in Los Angeles once the allegiance process is complete,” Kosgei told AFP.

Turkey’s recent recruitment drive has already seen several high-profile athletes change nationalities.

Why Omanyala is warning fans and a bitter rival after the iShowSpeed snub

Olympic discus champion Rojé Stona and Olympic shot-put medalist Rajindra Campbell from Jamaica, as well as Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili, all switched allegiance to Turkey last year, underscoring the scale of the country’s Olympic ambitions.

Athletics Kenya executive committee member Barnaba Korir said the federation respects the athletes’ decisions, noting that such moves are permitted under global regulations.

“It is a personal decision. These runners have chosen and have been accepted by Turkey. It is a free world, provided they follow the regulations. We have many runners in Kenya, and we cannot accommodate all of them. Those who seek opportunities to compete for other countries are welcome. After all, they will compete for them and still invest in the country,” Korir told AFP.

Kosgei’s departure represents a significant loss for Kenya.

“We blame the athletes, but it is all of us” – Kipchoge weighs in on Kenya's doping crisis

She held the women’s marathon world record of 2:14:04, set at the Chicago Marathon in October 2019, until September 2023.

She is widely regarded as one of the greatest marathoners of her generation, as she won the Chicago Marathon twice, claimed two London Marathon titles, triumphed once in Tokyo, and secured an Olympic silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

She missed the Paris 2024 Olympics due to injury after withdrawing at the last minute despite making the Kenyan team, a factor that now works in her favor.

Course record-holder Lokedi leads Boston Marathon’s women’s field

Under the Olympic Charter, athletes are required to wait three years after representing one country before competing for another.

Having not competed for Kenya in Paris, Kosgei is eligible to represent Turkey at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.