World Indoor 60m hurdles bronze medallist Ackera Nugent is hitting pause on her season after a commanding victory at the Prefontaine Classic on Saturday at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
The 23-year-old Jamaican hurdler delivered a season’s best 12.32 seconds to clinch the win in a loaded Diamond League field featuring Olympic champion Masai Russell, two-time world champion Danielle Williams, and world record holder Tobi Amusan. Amusan settled for second in 12.38, while American Kendra Harrison, the former world record holder, finished third in 12.50.
Speaking to Kaetlyn Hutchison after the race, Nugent reflected on the high-caliber competition and the mental preparation it demanded.
“My mindset was that this is probably going to be the Worlds line-up whether I like it or not. Maybe a couple athletes were missing but, at the same time, I have an Olympic champion in the race, two world champions, and the world record holder,” Nugent said.
“Knowing all that, I have to be on my A game and focus on the things I can control and stop being all over the place.”
Following her Prefontaine triumph, Nugent confirmed that she would now step away from competition until August, intent on resetting physically and mentally ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo this September.
“I’m done until August, so you all won’t see me until then. Your baby needs a break,” she quipped.
It’s been a relentless campaign for Nugent, whose season began as early as February 2 at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix. She went on to contest 10 indoor races, including a bronze-winning outing at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing on March 23, before shifting outdoors in April.
Her outdoor season featured a string of appearances at the inaugural Grand Slam Track Series, claiming short hurdles titles in Kingston, Miami, and Philadelphia. In total, Nugent has raced 10 times in the 100m hurdles, alongside three 100m races and a single 200m outing.
At the Jamaican National Championships just a week before Prefontaine, Nugent placed second behind Megan Tapper, clocking 12.41 as Tapper produced a personal best 12.34.
Reflecting on the first half of her season, Nugent emphasized that consistency had been her primary focus.
“I feel like the first half of my season was basically focused on me being consistent,” she said.
“I’ve been focusing on my first five hurdles, that’s why I did World Indoors, and being consistent within where my coach wants me to be, and I know that’s been really good for me moving forward for the next three months.”
Beyond the physical grind, Nugent also opened up about managing the sport’s mental demands.
“I’ve been going to my therapist. Therapy is very important, so I’ve been doing that a lot,” she revealed.
Now, as she steps away for a well-earned break, Nugent’s sights are firmly set on returning refreshed and ready to chase her first world title in Tokyo. Track fans can expect a recharged and focused Nugent when she lines up again in August.