Bahamas' Devynne Charlton Ties World Record, Wins Third Title

Devynne Charlton stumbled out of the starting blocks in Poland, lost the advantage she's famous for, and still managed to tie a world record while making history.

The Bahamian sprinter crossed the finish line at 7.65 seconds on March 22 at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland. She matched her own world record from 2024 and became the only woman ever to win three consecutive world titles in the 60-meter hurdles.

The victory is even sweeter considering where Charlton started. In her first world championship appearance in 2018, she placed eighth with a time of 8.18 seconds.

Four years later, she came back with a silver medal. Then in 2024, everything clicked.

That year, Charlton broke a 16-year-old world record at the Millrose Games in New York, running 7.67 seconds. Two weeks later at the world championships, she broke her own record with 7.65 seconds.

The 2025 season tested her resilience. Struggling with injuries, Charlton faced strong competition from Switzerland's Ditaji Kambundji, who matched Charlton's previous 7.67 record.

Many counted Charlton out heading into the 2025 championships. She proved everyone wrong and defended her title.

This year brought a different kind of pressure. Charlton lost several races during the indoor season but kept her focus on the championship goal.

The semi-finals showed she was ready, posting a world-leading 7.74 seconds. Then came the final, where her signature explosive start failed her.

Why This Inspires

Charlton's journey from eighth place to three-time champion shows what dedication and patience can achieve. She didn't let early setbacks define her career or injuries derail her goals.

Her comeback story resonates beyond the track. She represents the strength of Caribbean athletes on the world stage and opens doors for the next generation of Bahamian sprinters following in her footsteps.

Charlton now holds the top three fastest times in 60-meter hurdles history. She joins an elite club with Nia Ali and Lolo Jones, the only other women to win consecutive world titles in the event, but stands alone with three straight championships.

The victory in Poland proves that true champions rise to the occasion when it matters most, even on days when everything doesn't go according to plan.