'Did Not Have Money to Afford Airfare' - Ackera Nugent Reflects Harsh Reality of Growing Up In Jamaica

Ackera Nugent. Photo. Imago

'Did Not Have Money to Afford Airfare' - Ackera Nugent Reflects Harsh Reality of Growing Up In Jamaica

Evans Ousuru 20:00 - 29.04.2025

Ackera Nugent narrates the tough upbringing she faced while growing up and why a lack of money was a big motivation for her success.

Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. 

The 22-year-old’s drive and determination was demonstrated at the World Indoor Championships Nanjing 25, where she claimed 60m hurdles bronze in a race of record depth in mid April.

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Fuelled with desire, Nugent had arrived in China as one of the title favourites. She stood alongside winner Devynne Charlton and silver medallist Ditaji Kambundji on the podium – a remarkable achievement considering the dramatic circumstances that led to Nugent’s qualification for the final.  

The Jamaican record-holder had averted disaster in the semifinals as she managed to stay on her feet despite hitting the final hurdle hard – so much so that the top of the barrier came completely away from the frame. 

“I hit the second and fifth hurdles and still stayed up straight,” she told World Athletics

“Most people would have gone down or given up, but I held my composure. To know I was able to put it together in the final was a great feeling. I have a lot of faith in God; all I needed to do was trust the process. It was my destiny.”

Tough life in Jamaica

Ackera Nugent Reflects Harsh Reality of Growing Up In Jamaica
Ackera Nugent plots strategy to dethrone Masai Russell & Co Image source: Imago

While attending Excelsior High School, her primary focus was food management as she wanted to become a chef. 

Track took over but Nugent did not enjoy an easy passage to the top. Before leaving high school, she committed to getting a solid education while excelling in athletics.

“Growing up in Jamaica was never easy. I grew up in a single-parent home, and my inspiration was to go to college. When I saw my mom crying because she did not have the money to afford my airfare, I decided that I would never put her in that position again.

"After passing my SATs, I arrived at college after my mom got assistance from others. I honestly didn’t enjoy college life because I was more focused on not wasting the money invested in me and, more importantly, making my mom proud,” Nugent painfully narrated.

Nugent has proved that academics and athletics can be a successful marriage. She graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in communication and media studies. 

The three-time NCAA champion had previously spent her first two years in college at Baylor University.