Nigeria’s sprint hurdler, Tobi Amusan, has disclosed that an injury sustained before the 2026 Commonwealth Games played a major role in her unexpected bronze-medal finish in the women’s 100m hurdles final.
The world record holder made the revelation while speaking with journalists after Thursday night’s final in Glasgow, Scotland.
Amusan entered the race as the overwhelming favourite to retain the Commonwealth title she won in 2018 and 2022, with hopes of becoming the first woman to claim three consecutive gold medals in the event.
However, the 29-year-old settled for bronze after clocking 12.60 seconds, finishing behind Bahamas’ Devynne Charlton, who won gold, and Jamaica’s Megan Simmonds, who claimed silver.
Although she had dominated the semi-finals, Amusan could not replicate that performance in the final, posting her slowest podium time at the Commonwealth Games since making her debut at the competition in 2018.
The Nigerian star explained that cold weather conditions, coupled with a knee injury suffered after a fall during her pre-Games training camp, affected her performance.
“It was a little bit cold out there, and I tend to stay warm at every opportunity I get. So I had to do my best to make sure I kept myself warm out there,” she said.
“I really had a pretty bad fall at the training camp. So, I’ve been really iffy about my knee coming into this track meet. But I’ve just been thankful that God kept it together for me to be able to get onto the podium here once again.
Despite missing out on a third straight Commonwealth title, Amusan remained upbeat and said her immediate priority is to recover fully before making plans for future competitions.
“Honestly, with what I’m dealing with right now I just want to get treatment and we’ll see,” she said.
Team Nigeria has now amassed 16 medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, comprising eight gold, five silver and three bronze medals.
