Tobi Amusan added a bronze medal to her impressive Commonwealth Games collection on Thursday night, finishing third in the women's 100m hurdles final at the 2026 edition in Glasgow. The world record holder, who had claimed gold at the previous two Games, crossed the line to extend her remarkable record of podium finishes at major championships.
Speaking exclusively to Premium Times after the race, Amusan revealed that she had been far from full fitness heading into the competition. She disclosed that she tore a tendon and suffered a bad fall at her training camp in the lead-up to the event, leaving her knee a major concern.
A Hard-Fought Bronze
Despite the injury, Amusan managed to deliver a composed performance in the final. The Nigerian star, known for her explosive speed and technical proficiency, said she was simply grateful to have made it to the podium given the circumstances. "I'm definitely in very great shape," she told Premium Times. "I know what I'm capable of doing in any race, but I don't go into races expecting crazy fast times. The goal is always to execute. I might not have executed the best final today, but I'm just thankful I was able to come out here and get the bronze medal."
Amusan's latest medal further cements her status as one of Nigeria's greatest ever athletes. She remains the world record holder in the women's 100m hurdles and has now won three Commonwealth Games medals, a testament to her consistency and resilience at the highest level of athletics.
Weather, Gloves, and Anaemia
The 2026 Commonwealth Games were held in Glasgow, where conditions were described as cold and challenging for athletes. Amusan was spotted wearing gloves before the race, and she explained that this was due to both the weather and a personal health condition. "Yeah, it was a little bit cold out there, and I'm anaemic, so I try to stay warm every opportunity I get," she said. "I had to do my best to make sure I stayed warm before the race."
Her preparation was further complicated by the tendon injury she picked up at camp. "I tore a tendon and also had a pretty bad fall at training camp, so I've been really iffy about my knee coming into this championship," Amusan revealed. "I'm just thankful that God kept everything together for me to be able to get on the podium once again."
Reflections on the Race and Preparation
When asked to assess her performance in the final, Amusan acknowledged that she was in great physical shape but felt her execution could have been better. She also pointed to a specific aspect of her warm-up routine that she would change if she had another chance. "Maybe I would have warmed up a little less when I felt something and just prepared for the race instead of trying to push it," she said.
Amusan also opened up about the preparation challenges she faced leading into the Games. "When things are out of my control, I just come out here, put my best foot forward and let God do His thing," she said. "Of course, I'm disappointed, but I'm still thankful because it could have been worse. I still got my little bronze medal, so I'll take it."
Nigeria's Rising Generation
Beyond her own performance, Amusan expressed excitement about the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian athletes making waves internationally. "What pressure? I'm about to leave the sport," she joked, before turning serious. "Nigeria has great talent, and it's amazing to see that it's not just Tobi who is being mentioned whenever global stars are being recognised. I'm thankful that we have these amazing talents coming out of Nigeria. They're doing what they need to do, and it's only up from here for them."
Her comments reflect a broader shift in Nigerian athletics, with younger stars beginning to share the global spotlight with established names like Amusan. She praised the performances of her fellow medallists in the final, saying, "They're amazing girls. We've been talking for a long time. Last year she won silver, this year she's the champion. I'm really excited for her and for everyone. It's great to see."
What's Next for Amusan
Looking ahead, Amusan plans to focus on recovery and rehabilitation. "Honestly, with what I'm dealing with right now, I just want to go and get treatment, recover properly and then look forward to the rest of the season," she said. Her priority is clearly to heal from the tendon injury and the fall, ensuring she can return to peak form for upcoming competitions.
The bronze in Glasgow adds another chapter to Amusan's storied career. Her ability to perform under challenging circumstances—both physically and environmentally—serves as an inspiration, particularly for the next generation of Nigerian track stars who are beginning to make their names known internationally. Her legacy as a world record holder and multiple Commonwealth Games medallist is already secure, and her resilience continues to define her journey.
