Usoro leaps to long jump silver in Glasgow

Nigerian athlete Ruth Usoro secured a silver medal in the women's long jump at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Her performance was highlighted by a season's best jump of 6.87 meters, achieved on her very first attempt, which proved sufficient to clinch the second position.

Usoro led the competition after her initial leap, but subsequent fouls did not prevent her from holding onto the silver medal. England's Jazmin Sawyers took gold with 6.93m, while Australia's Brooke Buschkuehl earned bronze with 6.80m. This silver medal represents a notable advancement for Usoro, who finished sixth at the last Commonwealth Games.

Born in Akwa Ibom State and raised in Lagos, the 28-year-old athlete first gained prominence in the United States. There, she excelled at Texas Tech University, becoming a highly decorated athlete in NCAA history with multiple titles in both long jump and triple jump. Usoro has a history of representing Nigeria at major international events, including the Olympic Games, World Athletics Championships, and African Championships. She placed tenth in the long jump at the Paris 2024 Olympics and holds the All-African Games title in the triple jump. Her silver in Glasgow adds another significant senior medal to her career achievements, solidifying her reputation as one of Africa's premier field athletes.