Kenya’s former marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei has confirmed that she will compete for Turkey at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, alongside four other Kenyan athletes.
Kosgei, who won silver at the Tokyo Olympics and has multiple marathon victories to her name, told AFP on Thursday that she had formally changed her nationality and was looking forward to representing Turkey once the allegiance process is complete.
“Yes, it’s true, I changed my nationality to Turkish. It was my decision, and I’m happy to compete under the Turkish flag in Los Angeles,” Kosgei said.
Fellow Athletes Joining the Switch
Kosgei revealed that Ronald Kwemoi, a silver medalist at the Paris Games, will also switch to Turkey, along with three other athletes:
- Catherine Amanang’ole
- Brian Kibor
- Nelvin Jepkemboi
AFP was unable to reach Kwemoi for confirmation of his move.
Olympic Charter Requirements
Under the Olympic Charter, athletes must wait three years after last competing for one country before representing another. Kosgei, 31, began the process of obtaining Turkish citizenship in 2024, meaning she will be eligible to compete in Los Angeles in 2028.
Kosgei’s Achievements
Kosgei has enjoyed a stellar career, winning major marathons in London, Chicago, Madrid, and Tokyo. She held the world marathon record from October 2019 to September 2023 with a time of 2:14:04 in a mixed-gender race.
Kenyan Athletics Federation’s Response
Barnaba Korir, a member of the Kenyan Athletics Federation’s executive committee, acknowledged the athletes’ decisions:
“It is a personal decision and these runners have chosen and have been accepted by Turkey. It’s a free world provided they follow the regulations. We have very 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.”
Historical Precedent
Kosgei and her colleagues join a long list of Kenyan athletes who have switched allegiance to other nations:
- Bernard Lagat, who won Olympic medals for Kenya before representing the United States, becoming a double world champion in 2007.
- Saif Saaeed Shaheen, formerly Stephen Cherono, who became world champion in the 3000m steeplechase for Qatar in 2003 and 2005.
Kenya’s Continued Strength in Athletics
Despite such departures, Kenya remains a powerhouse in athletics. At the World Championships in Tokyo, Kenya finished second overall behind the United States, securing 11 medals, including seven golds, largely thanks to its dominance in long-distance running.
Conclusion
Kosgei’s decision to switch allegiance highlights both the global demand for Kenyan talent and the challenges of accommodating the country’s deep pool of elite runners. As she prepares to represent Turkey in Los Angeles, her move underscores the increasingly international nature of athletics, where opportunities abroad continue to attract some of Kenya’s finest athletes.
