Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent was full of emotion and gratitude on Sunday after claiming her first global medal—bronze in the women’s 60m hurdles—on the final day of the 2025 World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China.

Nugent finished third in a thrilling final, clocking a season-best 7.74 seconds. She was narrowly edged out by defending champion Devynne Charlton of The Bahamas, who won in 7.72, and European champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, who took silver in 7.73. So close was the race that fourth and fifth place were also credited with 7.74.

But perhaps even more remarkable than the final was how Nugent got there. In her semi-final, the Jamaican clipped the final hurdle hard and stumbled, but miraculously managed to stay on her feet and finish second in 8.00 seconds, just enough to qualify for the final with the field closing rapidly behind her.

She made the most of that second chance.

Overwhelmed by the moment, Nugent broke into tears after the race and had to be comforted on the track by Charlton, Kambundji and the other finalists, who paused celebrations to console the young Jamaican.

Later that evening, Nugent shared a heartfelt message with her supporters on Instagram, reflecting on her journey and the significance of the moment:

“To be powerful beyond measure is to break covenant with the ways you play it safe or small so that you don’t experience failure.
When you know you’re powerful beyond measure you no longer plan your success and escape at the same time.
You live as if failure is not an option.
You force defeat to become your teacher, and your achievements are merely mile-markers on the road to destiny because God’s power is always moving you forward ❤️”

It was a fitting reflection from an athlete who showed both vulnerability and steel on her way to a well-earned place on the global podium.

For Nugent, who has been steadily building her international profile, Sunday’s bronze medal represents both a milestone and a promise of greater things to come.