‘You can’t go back to Jamaica without nothing’ - Wilson says Commonwealth bronze more important given health struggles

National 400m hurdles champion Assinie Wilson says his bronze-medal-winning performance at this month’s Commonwealth Games Championships has given his career a major boost and could open more opportunities for him on the international circuit.

Wilson, who has been battling a medical condition since last year, produced a determined performance to clock 49.22 seconds and claim the bronze medal, his first individual senior global medal. Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nathaniel captured gold in 48.47 seconds.

The 24-year-old Wilson, who is Jamaica’s fastest man this season in the event with a time of 48.28 seconds, said winning a medal on one of the sport’s biggest stages was a significant achievement.

“This is a wonderful feeling to know that I came here for a medal and won a medal, and so I am feeling great about that,” said Wilson.

“This is my first individual global medal and I know that my coach (Gregory Little) is proud of me for knowing what I have been through to get here.”

Wilson added that the accomplishment was especially satisfying, given the health challenges he has faced over the past year.

“I have been through a lot the whole of last year and this [year] with this medical situation. But I did not make it bother me, but I am still feeling a bit of a headache. But I took some pills to ease it, and just blocked it away from my mind during the championships,” he said.

“Before the championships, my coach told me, ‘Assinie, you have to come here and get a medal, and so just put out the effort,’ and that is what I went out there and did.”

Wilson also said the medal could significantly raise his profile internationally and create more opportunities for him to compete at the highest level.

“I think this will help to give me a lot more international attention, because to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games is a big thing; and so this will build my confidence even more to go out there and run against the big guys.

“You can definitely expect more from me in years to come once I am healthy and strong.”

Wilson also revealed that difficult weather conditions added to the challenge of the race. However, watching compatriot Sanique Walker win gold in the women’s 400m hurdles inspired him to produce his best performance.

“On the day of the race it was very windy and cold, but I just went out there and executed, and just did what I had to do,” he said. “When I saw Sanique Walker win the gold medal in the women’s 400m hurdles, an instinct just chipped in me, and I said, ‘Wilson, you have to go out there and win a medal, because you can’t go back to Jamaica without nothing, and so I just went out there and gave it my all.”