
Tags: Ackera Nugent, Grand Slam Track
Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent turned 23 this week—and walked away from the Grand Slam Track meet in Miramar, Florida, with the perfect birthday present: US$100,000.
Nugent won the women’s 100m in 11.09 seconds, equalling her personal best on Saturday to secure the Short Hurdles group’s top prize after compiling 18 points across two events. On Friday, she had finished third in the 100m hurdles in a season’s best 12.34, behind Olympic champion Masai Russell (12.17 WL, #2 all-time) and Tia Jones (12.19, #3 all-time).
The Miramar leg of the Grand Slam series was Nugent’s second outing in the competition. She had competed in the first leg in Kingston from April 4–6, just days after returning from China, where she won bronze in the 60m hurdles at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing. That quick turnaround gave her a glimpse of what was possible—both competitively and financially—in the Grand Slam format.
“All I needed to do was win the 100,” Nugent told Omiliasports after her victory on Saturday. “I just wanted to win—because I wanted 100 grand for my birthday!”
With one of the fastest flat 100m personal bests in the field, Nugent said she was confident heading into the race, not only because of her speed but also her pedigree as one of the world’s top sprint hurdlers.
“As I said before, I’m one of the fastest hurdlers out there—other than Tobi [Amusan],” she said. “It’s on paper. And I know I can go a bit faster.”
Nugent said she had always dreamed of doubling in the 100m and 100m hurdles, and the Grand Slam format gave her the perfect opportunity to do so.
“It gave me this enjoyment, this excitement… Like, ‘Oh my God, I’m able to do the 100 and the hurdles,’” she said. “Coming third [in the hurdles], I was like, ‘Alright, I’m not out of the mix.’ The season is still early—we still have time to tweak things.”
Having raced in Kingston while still recovering from the demands of indoor season, Nugent said she felt far better in Florida and credited her improved execution and her coach’s guidance for the win.
“I ran my 100 metres a lot better than I did in Jamaica,” she explained. “I was a bit hasty in that race, a bit agitated. But this time I was more relaxed, and I just executed properly. I followed my coach’s instructions and it made the difference.”
Now one of the few women on the circuit capable of excelling in both sprints and sprint hurdles, Nugent’s Grand Slam windfall was both strategic and well-earned. She closed her interview with heartfelt gratitude.
“Thank you guys for always supporting me, believing in me, and having my back. When people bash me—you stay ten toes down for me. I really love you guys. One Jamaica! And y’all know the ting—100 grand for 23!”
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