Jamaican 100m hurdles record holder Ackera Nugent, has candidly shared her experience of navigating from collegiate athletics to the professional complicated than anticipated.
In July 2023, Nugent made the leap from college athletics to professional competition after an impressive career at both Baylor University and the University of Arkansas. During her time in college, she earned accolades that most athletes can only dream of, including NCAA Indoor 60m hurdles titles in 2021 and 2023, as well as the NCAA Outdoor 100m hurdles title in 2023. Her collegiate success painted a bright future for her, culminating in her professional debut on the world stage.
Since transitioning into professional athletics, Nugent has represented Jamaica in major competitions, including the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, where she placed fifth in the 100m hurdles with a time of 12.61.
She debuted at the Paris Olympics, missed the final, then rebounded with a 12.24 Jamaican national record in Rome. With a strong showing at the Diamond League Final in Brussels, Nugent’s career appeared to be gaining promising early momentum.
In an interview with Citius Mag, Nugent admitted that the transition had been “a bit depressing” for her.
“I don’t really like talking about this, but my first two seasons as a professional have been a bit depressing for me,” she confessed.
Nugent finds transitioning from college’s team-oriented environment to the solitary nature of professional athletics particularly challenging and isolating.
“Everybody in the professional world is out for themselves,” she said.
“It’s not a fun thing anymore; it’s business.”
Ackera Nugent also acknowledged that the joy of competition has diminished. What was once a source of excitement has now become a more businesslike endeavor.
“Competition-wise, it’s not fun,” she said.
“I’m just finding back my light. And I think I’m connecting more with the crowd as I continue to go on with championships.”
Nugent’s recent performance in Kingston at the Grand Slam Track event offered a glimmer of hope. She secured third place after a strong showing in the 100m hurdles and 100m, earning a total of 13 points. Though she finished behind American Tia Jones with 15 points and her Jamaican teammate Danielle Williams with 20 points.
“It feels really good. I enjoyed the crowd, and I’m so happy that a Jamaican won in our hometown. It’s a great thing going forward, and I hope it keeps getting better and better.”