“Brigid Kosgei’s Big Switch: Marathon Star Joins Turkey’s Million‑Dollar Push for LA 2028”

Former women’s marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei is reportedly among a group of elite Kenyan athletes in the process of switching their sporting allegiance from Kenya to Turkey ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, according to reports confirmed by Kenyan journalists Lynne Wachira and Michelle Katami. A since‑deleted post from the Turkish Athletics Federation is said to have listed Kosgei among 11 naturalized athletes earmarked for Turkey’s LA 2028 Olympic project.
On the road, Kosgei remains one of the dominant figures in women’s marathon running. Last season she clocked 2:18:56 to finish second at the Sydney Marathon, then went on to win the Shanghai Marathon in 2:16:36, her fastest performance since 2022 and her first marathon victory since 2023. That Shanghai run also set a Chinese all‑comers record and a new course record at the World Athletics Platinum Label event. Kosgei is next scheduled to race the Tokyo Marathon in March as she continues to build toward LA 2028.
Turkey’s recruitment drive is not limited to Kenyan distance stars. Last year, Jamaican standouts Jaydon Hibbert, Roje Stona, Rajindra Campbell and Wayne Pinnock began the process of switching allegiance to Turkey, with multiple reports indicating that the athletes were offered signing bonuses of around 500,000 dollars, monthly stipends and substantial medal bonuses. Reports suggest Turkey’s package can include a 500,000‑dollar upfront payment, a 380,000‑dollar bonus for an Olympic gold medal, and an additional 190,000 dollars for setting an Olympic record, on top of ongoing financial support.
Under World Athletics rules, athletes who change nationality must observe a three‑year waiting period before they can represent their new country in international competition, unless the relevant federations agree to a waiver. If the switches are approved, Kosgei and the other recruits would be eligible to compete for Turkey at the 2028 Olympics, a move that would significantly reshape both Turkey’s medal prospects and the competitive landscape in global marathon running.

Kenyan athletes like Brigid Kosgei are switching to Türkiye mainly for financial security, better support, and guaranteed opportunities to compete at major championships such as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Huge financial incentives. Reports say athletes recruited by Türkiye are being offered around a 500,000‑dollar signing bonus, monthly stipends, and performance bonuses of up to 380,000 dollars for an Olympic gold medal plus about 190,000 dollars for an Olympic record.

Strong medal bonuses and long‑term benefits. Türkiye is among the most generous nations in paying medal rewards, including large cash prizes and pension‑style payments for Olympic champions.
• Better training and federation support. Commentators note that some athletes feel underfunded or overlooked at home and see Türkiye as offering superior facilities, structured support, and a clearer path to global championships.
• Limited spots on Kenyan teams. Kenyan officials themselves have said that the country has more world‑class runners than available national‑team places, so some athletes look abroad for guaranteed selection and exposure.
• Personal choice and professional career logic. Kosgei has said it was her own decision and that she is happy to represent Türkiye, reflecting a wider trend of athletes treating nationality switches as a professional move to maximize short careers.