Jamaican sprint hurdler Ackera Nugent is heading into the National Championships with growing momentum and quiet confidence, following a strong performance at the Stockholm Diamond League last weekend.
After a brief break from competition, the national record holder returned to the track with intent. She clocked 12.37 seconds to finish second behind American Grace Stark, who won the race in 12.33 seconds , a new meet record for Stark. It was Nugent’s second-fastest time this year, showing that her preparations are right on track.
“I’m feeling really good,” Nugent said post-race. “I’ve been off for like two weeks , training, putting things together slowly but surely. That’s my first time in [the Diamond] League for the year, so I’m really excited. Coming out with second at 12.37 my second-fastest time this year, that’s a great feeling.”
The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) had confirmed that the National Senior Championships which serve as the official Olympic Trials , will take place from June 26 to 29.
Still, Nugent is keeping her focus simple.
“I’m feeling really good, really confident,” she said. “I know my capabilities. All I need to do is just be in the top three, and I’ll be okay.”
It’s a calm, measured mindset from the 22-year-old, who competed at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and has grown since that experience. She says she’s no longer burdened by pressure and is learning to enjoy the journey.
“I really do have unfinished business at the world championships,” she admitted. With the 2025 World Athletics Championships set in Tokyo in September, Nugent has her eyes on making a stronger statement. “But at the same time, I’m not really putting as much pressure on myself like I did at the Olympics. I’m just enjoying each and every meet that I go to – the people and the vibes.”
