Bahamian hurdler Devynne Charlton demonstrated her unmatched excellence at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, by successfully defending her world title in the 60m hurdles on Sunday, March 23, 2025. Charlton clocked an impressive time of 7.72 seconds, securing victory in one of the closest and most thrilling races in championship history.
The final featured an astonishing six athletes finishing under the 7.80-second mark, a record depth that elevated the stakes of the competition. Charlton entered the final as the world record holder, and her experience shone through as she managed to hold off fierce competition from the runners around her, finishing just ahead of Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji and Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent.
Kambundji, the current world leader and reigning European champion, narrowly missed out on the gold, earning a silver medal with a time of 7.73 seconds. Nugent, a breakthrough performer this season, captured the bronze with a season-best performance of 7.74 seconds, marking her first global medal since turning professional in 2024.
The race unfolded with remarkable intensity. As Charlton got off to a strong start, she quickly established her lead, but Kambundji and Nugent closely pursued her, creating a dramatic atmosphere as they fought for the title. What was expected to be a tightly contested sprint turned into a nail-biting finish, with only 0.04 seconds separating the top six finishers.
Pia Skrzyszowska from Poland and Grace Stark of the USA both finished with an impressive time of 7.74 seconds, yet were credited with fourth and fifth places respectively due to tiebreakers. Meanwhile, Nadine Visser of the Netherlands finished sixth in 7.76 seconds. Christina Clemons from the United States finished seventh in 8.03 seconds, while Jamaica’s Amoi Brown, who advanced to the final as a non-automatic qualifier, placed eighth in 8.07 seconds.
The race showcased not only the athletic prowess of these female athletes but also highlighted a historic moment in women's sprint hurdles, as it marked the first time so many competitors finished under the 7.80-second threshold.
“It was a big deal for me to come here and show up, defend my title,” said Charlton, reflecting on her win. “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 definitely 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 really cool.”
Nugent’s performance was equally remarkable, as she faced a significant challenge during the semifinals when she collided with the final hurdle but managed to stay upright. That determination paved the way for her successful finish in the finals, providing her much-deserved recognition on the global stage. Notably, Nugent had a thrilling semifinal, where she finished second to Skrzyszowska, running a time of 7.79 seconds.
The event concludes an exhilarating chapter for Charlton, who now has claimed her second consecutive world indoor title and her third indoor medal overall, following her silver medal in 2022. This latest victory has further solidified her status as one of the premier sprint hurdlers in the world. The triumph also signifies a bright future for Nugent, whose burgeoning career is one to watch as she continues to build on her recent successes.
This championship serves as a platform for continued growth in competitive women’s athletics, emphasizing the depth of talent within these ranks. As Charlton prepares for the outdoor season with her sights set on the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo later this year, fans around the globe eagerly anticipate her next performance and challenge as a top contender in the sport.
Overall, the World Indoor Championships provided a thrilling showcase of athletic skill, determination, and the spirit of competition.
