Olatoye pledges to bounce back from Commonwealth disappointment

Disappointment has befallen hammer thrower Oyesade Olatoye, who narrowly missed a medal in the women’s hammer throw event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Tuesday, but her determination to bounce back remains unwavering.

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Finishing eighth with a personal best of 63.27m, Olatoye struggled to keep pace with the likes of Canada's Camryn Rogers, who dominated the high-quality final with a record-breaking throw of 74.91m to claim the gold medal.

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Rogers' impressive display not only earned her the top spot on the podium but also cemented her status as a defending champion, having successfully retained her Commonwealth title in style.

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Despite her rigorous preparation, Olatoye admitted that finding her rhythm on the day proved to be a significant challenge, ultimately hindering her performance in the competition.

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Olatoye reflected on her experience, stating, "I think my preparation for this competition was really great, but honestly, it was just my rhythm that was off," highlighting the difficulties she faced during the event.

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She further emphasized that the inclement weather conditions played a role in her struggles, making it difficult to maintain her grip and balance throughout the competition.

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Olatoye explained that the wet conditions made it tough to grip the hammer, saying, "Having the grip on the hammer and having our hands being wet throughout the competition isn’t the best," which added to her overall frustration.

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Although disappointed with her performance, the 29-year-old expressed pride in her efforts this season, viewing the experience as motivation to push herself further in future championships.

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Olatoye stated, "I wish I was able to deliver the way I wanted to and the way I know I’m capable of, but I’m still proud of the effort and proud of my season," demonstrating her resilience in the face of adversity.

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With the 2026 Commonwealth Games now behind her, Olatoye plans to take a brief break before commencing preparations for the upcoming season, which includes the 2027 World Championships and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

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She outlined her plans, saying, "I’m just going to take a few weeks off for the off-season, then get back to work and start fall training," indicating her determination to return stronger than ever.

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Olatoye acknowledged that not finishing with a medal was a setback, but she remains focused on the future, saying, "I would have loved to finish with a medal because that’s always the goal, but I’m going to take some rest and reboot for next season."

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The 2022 African champion confessed that knowing a podium finish was within her reach has only strengthened her resolve, stating, "I think it’s motivation, knowing that the top three were definitely within range of what I could do, it motivates me."

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Olatoye expressed her pride in representing Nigeria and appreciation for the support she received, saying, "I’m proud of Nigeria, all the supporters and everyone who has been cheering us on," as she looks forward to her next challenge.