FRESH off a triumphant win at the Diamond League meet in London last weekend with a leap of 8.20m, long jumper Wayne Pinnock used the post-meet interview to address growing speculation surrounding his decision to switch allegiance from Jamaica to Turkiye.
In the interview, Pinnock stated that he had not even received a congratulatory email from Jamaica after winning silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics — a remark that sparked local media coverage in Jamaica seeking to debunk the claim.
However, in a follow-up interview with Sportsmax.TV on Thursday, Pinnock clarified that his comments were specifically in reference to the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) and its president, Garth Gayle.
“It had nothing to do with the JOA or the Ministry,” Pinnock said. “I could check my email right now — there wasn’t one ‘congratulations’ from the JAAA ever. He’s the president, he’s the one responsible for everything. I haven’t received an email from him. I have even received an email from the JOA.
“I have been looking for an email from the minister, but I have not seen it. I respect the minister a lot, and I don’t doubt that she sent an email, but I have not seen it. I never targeted the minister. She is a wonderful person trying to do her best for the sport, and I respect her very much.”
Still, Pinnock emphasised that the lack of acknowledgement was not the primary reason for his decision to transfer allegiance. He said the move was rooted in long-term stability and athlete welfare, concerns he shares with fellow Jamaican jumper Jaydon Hibbert, who is also making the move to Turkiye.
“Jaydon and I had a long talk about it,” Pinnock said. “He understands where I’m coming from. We’re both trying to secure our futures. This decision wasn’t made lightly. It’s about more than medals it’s about knowing you’ll be taken care of even when your career ends.”
Despite a decorated career representing Jamaica — including silver medals at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, the 2024 Paris Olympics, and the 2025 World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China — Pinnock said the lack of consistent support and recognition from Jamaica’s track and field governing body left him feeling exposed and undervalued.
“I do love my country… but sometimes you just have to do what’s best for you and your family,” he said. “If I get hurt tomorrow, I swear to God, I know I’ll have to pay everything out of pocket — no one is going to help me get back on my feet. Jamaica doesn’t have a support system for athletes. When you’re done, you’re done. Nobody looks back on you.”
Pinnock confirmed that the initial approach from Turkiye came in mid-June via his coach Travis Geopfert. After several long conversations with family members, he made the decision a week later. “They went to my coach first, and then he came to me about it. It was a hard decision. I talked to all my family — my dad, aunties, uncles — and they weren’t mad. They actually told me to go ahead and do it,” he explained.
The Turkish offer includes significant financial and logistical support, including a structured transition plan for life after competition. Pinnock said it was the kind of long-term security he could never see coming from Jamaica.
“There are people who are going to be there for you even when you retire… Honestly, it was a good offer,” he said. “I made the decision because it made sense.”
He added that he will be required to spend several months in Turkiye each year and plans to relocate with his family.
Pinnock also opened up about his upbringing, describing it as shaped by political tension and violence and that he grew up in a volatile community where sports became his only real escape.
He noted that the Jamaica Olympic Association, in contrast, consistently showed him respect and recognition. “The JOA treats us with respect. I got a big congratulations from them for my medal. That’s something I never got from the JAAA.”
Still, Pinnock insists that his decision was not driven by malice, but by necessity.
“I appreciate my country. I love my country. I did so much for Jamaica. But this is a life-changing opportunity. And as my coach always tells me — if you get one, take it,” he said.
He also acknowledged the backlash that has come in the wake of his decision but says he’s unfazed. “I know some people are angry and disappointed, and I understand that,” he said. “I don’t like people creating drama over nothing. I have won three major medals in the last three years, but now I have made a decision for my family.
“I am still Jamaican and I hope Jamaicans will be proud when I win new medals since nothing will change me being a child of Jamaica.”(Sportsmax)