Team Nigeria sprinter Gift Bright has shifted his focus to the 200m and 4x100m relay after an injury disrupted his 100m campaign at the 2026 World Athletics U-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
Bright made a promising start in the men’s 100m heats, establishing himself among the leaders before pulling up midway through the race with an apparent injury.
The Nigerian eventually crossed the finish line in fifth place in 10.60 seconds, ending his hopes of progressing in the event.
Reflecting on the race, Bright said he felt something snap while competing strongly before he could maintain his effort to the finish.
“I had a great start. I was leading through up to the 60 or 70 metres, but I felt a snap and couldn’t give my best till the finish line.”
The young sprinter is now hoping to recover sufficiently to compete in his remaining events, particularly the 200m and 4x100m relay.
Bright acknowledged that Team Nigeria’s late arrival in Eugene presented challenges, but he was reluctant to use it as an excuse as he turns his attention to the events ahead.
“Well, we didn’t arrive early, but I don’t want to talk about that. I just want to concentrate. If I can manage through the injury, I think I will try and see.”
The cold weather has also been another challenge for the Nigerian athletes in Eugene, with Bright admitting that competing in the conditions has not been easy.
“It’s been pretty cold here, but I have been coping. It’s not easy running through the cold.”
With the 100m campaign now behind him, Bright will hope that his injury is not serious enough to rule him out of the 200m and 4x100m relay.
The Nigerian will be targeting a stronger showing in those events as he looks to make a positive impact for Team Nigeria at the World U-20 Championships.
