Amusan talks about injury struggle and her Commonwealth Games bronze

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan added a bronze medal to her collection in the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

After the race, the world record holder shared her thoughts on her performance, injury worries, preparations for the Games, and her excitement about new Nigerian athletes coming up.

Excerpts….

Question: You have now won two Commonwealth Games gold medals and a bronze. What has been the secret behind your consistency and longevity at the highest level?

Amusan: It’s all been God, hard work, dedication and discipline. I’ve always known what I want to achieve in this sport. My goals wake me up every day and keep me going. That has really been the secret.

Question: Congratulations on another Commonwealth Games medal. Looking back at your performance tonight, how do you assess it?

Amusan: I’m definitely in very great shape. I know what I can do in any race, but I don’t go in 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 got the bronze medal.

Question: If you had another chance to run the race, what would you do differently?

Amusan: 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.

Question: We noticed you were wearing gloves before the race. Was that because of the weather?

Amusan: Yes, it was a bit cold out there, and I’m anaemic, so I try to stay warm whenever I can. I had to do my best to stay warm before the race.

Question: Were you carrying any injury into the competition?

Amusan: I tore a tendon and also had a bad fall at training camp, so I’ve been worried about my knee coming into this championship. I’m just thankful that God kept everything together for me to get on the podium again.

Question: What’s next for you after Glasgow?

Amusan: Honestly, with what I’m dealing with right now, I just want to get treatment, recover properly, and then look forward to the rest of the season.

Question: Do you think you had the kind of preparation you wanted heading into these Commonwealth Games?

Amusan: When things are out of my control, I just come out here, put my best foot forward and let God do His thing. 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.

Question: Nigeria now has a new generation of athletes making headlines internationally. Does that motivate you, knowing younger stars are emerging?

Amusan: What pressure? I’m about to leave the sport. (Laughs). Nigeria has great talent, and it’s amazing to see that it’s not just Tobi who is mentioned when global stars are recognized. I’m thankful 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.

Question: What do you make of the performances of your fellow medallists?

Amusan: 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.