Tobi Amusan stood on the podium for the third successive Commonwealth Games on Friday, adding a bronze medal to her collection in the women's 100m hurdles at Glasgow 2026. The 29-year-old Nigerian world record holder, who had previously struck gold at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022, admitted the outcome was not what she had imagined but vowed that her best years are still ahead of her.
Shortly after receiving the latest addition to her medal cabinet, Amusan took to X to send a message that blended gratitude with a clear declaration of intent. “Not the result I came for, but I’ll never take standing on the podium for granted. Every race adds another chapter, and I’m far from finished. Gratitude is a Must,” she wrote.
Battling injury on the road to Glasgow
Amusan opened up about the physical obstacles she had to overcome in the build-up to the championship. In an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES, the sprint hurdles star revealed that she tore a tendon and suffered a serious fall during her training camp, which left her facing persistent concerns over her knee.
“I tore a tendon and also had a pretty bad fall at the training camp, so I’ve been really iffy about my knee coming into this championship,” she told PREMIUM TIMES. “I’m just thankful that God kept everything together for me to be able to get on the podium once again.”
The bronze medal means Amusan has now secured a podium finish at three consecutive editions of the Commonwealth Games, an achievement that places her among the most consistent athletes in the history of Nigerian athletics. Although the colour of the medal was different from her two previous golds, Amusan remained proud of her resilience.
“I know what I’m capable of”
Despite finishing behind two rivals in Sunday’s final, Amusan was candid about her physical form and her expectations. “I’m definitely in very great shape. I know what I’m capable of doing in any race, but I don’t go into races expecting crazy fast times,” she explained.
“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.”
She also revealed that, had she known how her body would respond, she would have altered her preparation during the warm-up. “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.
The secret to long-term success
Asked how she has managed to remain among the world’s best after winning back-to-back Commonwealth gold medals and adding a bronze, Amusan pointed to a simple formula that has guided her entire career.
“It’s all been God, hard work, dedication and discipline,” she said. “I’ve always been clear about what I want to achieve in this sport, and my goals are what wake me up every day and keep me going. That’s really been the secret.”
Recovery takes priority
With the Commonwealth Games now behind her, Amusan’s immediate focus is on recuperating properly before returning to the track later in the season. “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 told reporters in Glasgow.
Amusan acknowledged that things could have turned out far worse given the physical setbacks she faced. “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.”
Passing the torch to Nigeria’s next generation
Even as she continues to compete at the highest level, Amusan welcomed the rise of a new wave of Nigerian athletes who are beginning to shine on the global stage. When asked whether the emergence of younger stars added any pressure, she responded with humour and warmth.
“What pressure? I’m about to leave the sport,” she joked. “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,” Amusan concluded.
The bronze in Glasgow adds to Nigeria’s growing athletics medal tally, and with Amusan still hungry for more, the country’s sprint hurdles legacy appears to be in safe hands.
