NANJING, China – World record-holder Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas delivered a masterclass in speed and precision, successfully defending her 60m hurdles title in a thrilling final at the World Athletics Indoor Championships here in Nanjing.
World record-holder Devynne Charlton successfully defended her 60m hurdles title, winning a thrilling race of record depth in 7.72 at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25. PHOTO: World AthleticsCharlton clocked an impressive 7.72 seconds to claim gold, leading a historic race with unprecedented depth and drama.
The final was nothing short of extraordinary. Before Nanjing, the record for the most athletes finishing under 7.80 seconds in a single race stood at three.
This time, the top six competitors shattered that mark, showcasing the highest level of competition in the event’s history.
Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji secured silver in 7.73, while Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent took bronze in 7.74, just hundredths of a second separating the podium finishers.
An elated Charlton expressed pride in her ability to defend her title under immense pressure.
“It was a big deal for me to come here and show up and defend my title. It was a big goal for me. It wasn’t looking great, but I trusted the people around me, and I was able to pull it off. It’s super hard to defend a title at an event like this. The women always show up. To come away with a win against these ladies, it’s cool.”
The semifinals had already set the stage for an electrifying final. Nugent narrowly avoided disaster in her heat, hitting the final hurdle so hard that the top of the barrier detached from its frame.
Despite the mishap, she managed to stay on her feet and finished second behind Skrzyszowska, who won the heat in 7.79.
Meanwhile, Nadine Visser of the Netherlands won her semifinal in 7.81, just ahead of Charlton’s 7.82, and Sarah Lavin of Ireland took the third semifinal in 7.72, with Kambundji close behind in 7.76.
