Sawyers puts heartbreak behind her to claim Commonwealth long jump gold

England's Jazmin Sawyers has claimed the women's long jump gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, overcoming past disappointments and a serious injury. Sawyers secured the title with her fourth jump of 6.93 meters, triumphing over Nigeria's Ruth Usoro and Australia's Brooke BuschKuehl.

This gold medal represents a major comeback for the 32-year-old athlete. She had previously finished fourth at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, failed to reach the final at the 2023 World Championships, and was forced to miss the 2024 Olympics due to an Achilles tendon rupture. Instead of competing in Paris, Sawyers provided commentary for the BBC.

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It hasn't properly hit me how this is the thing I've been telling myself all the horrible bits are for. The feeling is overwhelming. I will do the horrible bits 100 times over, I'll do it and do it and do it. This is amazing.

"It hasn't properly hit me how this is the thing I've been telling myself all the horrible bits are for," Sawyers stated, overwhelmed by her victory. "The feeling is overwhelming. I will do the horrible bits 100 times over... This is amazing."

Sawyers, who previously won a silver medal in Glasgow 12 years ago, considers the city special. She now looks forward to competing for Great Britain at the European Championships in Birmingham, hoping to add to her recent success.

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Twelve years ago almost to the day, I won a silver here in Glasgow (2014 Commonwealth Games) at my first major championships. It was a shock silver and I've held Glasgow close to my heart ever since. It was the start of my career and so sensational and I had the time of my life. I take that as one of the best moments of my entire career, but when you've done that there's only one thing to do which is to upgrade.