PARIS, France – National 100-meter hurdles record holder Akela Nugent is eagerly anticipating her debut at the Paris Olympics. As she took to the track on Sunday for her first hurdles practice since arriving, Nugent’s enthusiasm was palpable.
“This is a moment I’ve been praying for, and it feels incredible to finally be here,” Nugent shared. Reflecting on her journey, she recalled how a friend’s passing motivated her to take her training seriously. “When I was 15, I didn’t fully commit to my practice. A friend told me I would become a great athlete, but after he passed away, I dedicated myself more seriously to the sport. Now, here I am.”
Nugent, who finished fifth in the world championship final in Budapest last year, is currently the second-fastest woman globally in this year’s 100m hurdles, trailing only American Masai Russell.
She will be joined by fellow Jamaican athletes Danielle Williams and Janique Brown, both reigning world champions, in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Paris Games.
