Tobi Amusan, Nigeria’s hurdling star, stole the show at the inaugural Jamaica Athletics Invitational on Saturday. She clocked a blistering 12.40 seconds in the women’s 100m hurdles, setting a new world-leading time and leaving the competition in her dust.
Amusan, already the world record holder, displayed her mastery of the event. Though she trailed for a while behind seasoned competitor Danielle Williams, the two-time world champion, Amusan unleashed her explosive power in the final stretch. Her flawless technique propelled her past Williams, who finished a respectable second with a season-best 12.46 seconds. American Christina Clemons rounded out the podium with a time of 12.54 seconds.
This victory solidifies Amusan’s position as the world’s top 100m hurdler. She had previously dethroned American Tonea Marshall by eclipsing her previous world-leading time of 12.42 seconds, set in late April.
With the Paris 2024 Olympics just around the corner, Amusan’s performance has sent a wave of excitement across Nigeria. Fans and officials alike are buzzing with anticipation, seeing her as a strong contender for the gold medal. Nigeria’s Sports Minister, John Enoh, praised Amusan on social media for making the nation proud and expressing hope for her continued success in the upcoming Olympics.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
