By Howard Walker

Jamaica’s rising star Ackera Nugent has once again lowered the national record in 100m hurdles to 12.24 seconds (-0.4) with a smashing win at the Rome Diamond League in Italy today.

Nugent had established the record in June, clocking 12.28 at the National Championships.

On Friday, she turned in a masterful display by setting a meeting record, which is also a world-leading time. The 22-year-old Nugent dismissed the reigning Olympic champion Masai Russell of the USA, who was second in 12.31 – faster than her winning time of 12.33 at the Olympics.

Nadine Visser of the Netherlands was third with 12.52.

“This victory is not like a revenge for the Olympics for me. I am just in a really good shape,” said Nugent.

“I was injured before and this is a new experience for me. I am still so young. I still got to show up,” she added.

“My emotions? I guess they have not kicked in yet because I am still so full of adrenaline. I cannot tell you. Yeah, I kind of expected to win here. I really enjoyed this race,” she noted.