BUDAPEST, Hungary — Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, the reigning world champion in women’s 100m hurdles, is on track for a third consecutive World Championships title.
She sailed through the semi-finals at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, Hungary, clocking a remarkable time of 12.56s to secure her spot in the finals.
Despite a less-than-ideal start, Amusan recovered swiftly to finish ahead of Jamaican Achkara Nugent, who clocked 12.60s, and Dutch athlete Nadine Visser with a time of 12.62s.
The semi-final showcased a highly competitive field, including NCAA champion Nugent and World Indoor Champion Cyréna Samba-Mayela, but Amusan’s grit won the day.
In a gripping moment of athleticism, Amusan snatched victory right at the finish line, overturning Nugent’s early lead.
“It was a fierce race. Every split second counts, and I gave it my all,” said Amusan, who qualified for her third straight World Championships final.
Former World record holder Kendra Harrison won the first semi-final race in 12.33s, and Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn dominated Heat 3 with a time of 12.41s.
These times indicate that Amusan must bring her A-game to defend her title in Thursday’s final.
A Banner Year
Amusan has been on an unprecedented winning streak.
At the 2022 World Championship in Eugene, USA, she set an African record with a time of 12.40s before shattering the existing world record with a dazzling 12.12s.
The previous record was set by Kendra Harrison in 2016.
The sprint champion was cleared for competition last week by the Athletics Integrity Unit, AIU, after concerns had emerged about her eligibility.
Her clearance was a relief for her and for Team Nigeria, which had a shaky start at the championships.
Ese Brume, another of Nigeria’s medal hopefuls, finished fourth in the women’s long jump event on Sunday, August 20, 2023.
A Stellar Résumé
Amusan’s achievements go beyond her world records. She holds titles across the board, having clinched the Nigerian, African, Commonwealth, World, and Diamond League championships.
Last year, she also retained her Commonwealth Games title with a new Games record of 12.30s.
With a season that has seen her break multiple records, all eyes will be on Amusan in the finals.
As she sets her sights on her third consecutive World Championships title, one thing is clear: Tobi Amusan is a force to be reckoned with on the global athletics stage.
