Commonwealth Games 2026: Ruth Usoro Claims Long Jump Silver For Nigeria
By Saheed Afolabi
Ruth Usoro delivered a strong series of jumps to secure silver in the women’s long jump at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, further boosting Team Nigeria’s impressive medal haul.
The Nigerian athlete recorded a best effort of 6.87 metres, finishing just behind England’s Jazmin Sawyers, who successfully retained her Commonwealth title with a leap of 6.93m. Australia’s Brooke Buschkuehl took bronze with 6.80m.
Born in Akwa Ibom, Usoro first rose to prominence in the United States while competing for Texas Tech University. She became one of the most decorated athletes in NCAA history, capturing multiple titles in both the long jump and triple jump — a rare double achievement for a Nigerian woman at the collegiate level.
Her success opened doors to the World Athletics Championships, African Championships, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games, where she has consistently competed among the world’s elite jumpers.
In Glasgow, Usoro remained composed against a high-quality field that included the defending champion and an experienced Australian rival, producing the jump that sealed her place on the podium.
The silver medal also underscores the outstanding contribution of Nigeria’s women athletes at these Games. Jessica Oji, Temitope Adeshina, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Tobi Amusan, Enku Ekuta and several others have all reached the podium during a memorable campaign.
With Usoro’s silver, Team Nigeria’s tally now stands at 23 medals of 10 gold, 8 silver and 5 bronze as the country continues to establish itself among the Commonwealth’s leading sporting nations.
