Running News Daily

Kenya’s former marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei and fellow distance runner Catherine Reline will remain eligible under their current national status after the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel rejected a wave of transfer requests involving 11 international athletes seeking to represent Türkiye.

The decision, announced today, blocks one of the most closely watched nationality change cases in recent athletics history. Several high-profile competitors from Kenya, Jamaica, Nigeria, Russia and other nations had applied to switch allegiance, but the panel ruled against all submissions.

For Kenya, the outcome means celebrated marathon star Brigid Kosgei will not be changing citizenship or sporting identity. Kosgei remains one of the most accomplished road runners of her generation, famously rewriting the women’s marathon world record and establishing herself among the sport’s all-time greats.

Catherine Reline, who had previously competed under the Turkish name Selin Can, was also among those denied clearance. The ruling adds another dramatic chapter to the growing global debate over athlete transfers, national identity and the balance between opportunity and sporting integrity.

The full list of athletes whose applications were refused includes Catherine Reline (Kenya), Rajindra Campbell (Jamaica), Jaydon Hibbert (Jamaica), Brian Kibor (Kenya), Brigid Kosgei (Kenya), Ronald Kwemoi (Kenya), Nelvin Jepkemboi (Kenya), Favour Ofili (Nigeria), Wayne Pinnock (Jamaica), Rojé Stona (Jamaica) and Sophia Yakushina (Russia).

The inclusion of major names such as Jaydon Hibbert, Wayne Pinnock, Rojé Stona and Favour Ofili underlines the scale of the attempted recruitment drive. Many of the athletes are medal contenders or established global performers, making the verdict significant far beyond administrative circles.

Nationality transfers have become one of the most sensitive issues in modern athletics, particularly when elite athletes move from traditional powerhouse nations to countries investing heavily in international talent. Supporters argue such moves can provide better support systems, financial security and competitive pathways, while critics believe they risk weakening the meaning of national representation.

For Kenya, the ruling may be welcomed as a major boost. Retaining athletes of the calibre of Kosgei, Ronald Kwemoi and other established stars protects the nation’s rich athletics heritage and preserves depth ahead of future global championships.

While the rejected athletes may explore other options or future appeals depending on eligibility rules, today’s decision sends a clear message: changing flags in world athletics is never automatic. For now, the names remain the same, the nations remain the same, and the race for global glory continues under familiar colours.