Nigeria’s sprint hurdling sensation, Tobi Amusan, is set to continue her 2025 Diamond League campaign at the Shanghai leg of the prestigious athletics series, scheduled for May 3. The meet promises to be a pivotal one for the world record holder in the women’s 100 metres hurdles, who will be aiming to bounce back from a somewhat underwhelming start to her season.
Amusan, who made her return to competitive action in Xiamen after a post-Olympic break, placed fourth in her first outing of the year with a time of 12.74 seconds. While the result was not a podium finish, it served as a steady reintroduction to elite racing following her efforts at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Xiamen race was won by Jamaican and reigning world champion, Danielle Williams, who stormed to victory in 12.53 seconds. She was followed closely by American Grace Stark in second place with 12.58 seconds, and South Africa’s Marione Fourie, who took third in 12.62 seconds.
Despite the fourth-place finish, Amusan’s performance in Xiamen was seen as promising. She showed glimpses of the form that has made her one of the most dominant figures in women’s sprint hurdling over the past four years. A three-time Diamond League champion, Amusan won the coveted trophy in 2021, 2022, and 2023, establishing herself as a mainstay among the sport’s elite. Her consistency and explosive finishing have made her a crowd favourite and a constant feature in Diamond League finals.
In preparation for the 2025 season, the Nigerian star made a notable switch by training under renowned sprint coach Glen Mills — the same man who guided Usain Bolt through his legendary career. That decision underscores her determination to refine her technique and reclaim top spot in a field packed with global talent.
The Shanghai meet is shaping up to be one of the most competitive on the Diamond League calendar, and Amusan will need to be at her sharpest. Once again, she will face Danielle Williams, who leads the field with the season’s best of 12.53 seconds. Also confirmed for the event is American Grace Stark, currently ranked fifth globally, who will look to continue her fine form after an impressive run in Xiamen. South Africa’s Fourie, ranked 19th, is another strong contender with a personal best of 12.49 seconds and a 2025 season-best of 12.62 seconds.
Adding to the depth of the field is Devynne Charlton of The Bahamas, a consistent performer with a personal best of 12.44 seconds and a current world ranking of seventh. The USA’s Nia Ali, a seasoned competitor with a wealth of experience, brings a season-best time of 13.23 seconds into the contest. Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska, one of Europe’s top hurdlers, will also be in the mix with a personal best of 12.37 seconds. China’s Wu Yanni, a home favourite ranked 27th in the world, completes the field with a season-best of 13.00 seconds.
The Shanghai Diamond League is regarded as one of Asia’s premier track and field events, known for its vibrant crowd and fast track conditions. It offers a significant platform for athletes to collect vital points in their quest for qualification to the Diamond League Final in Zurich, later this year. For Amusan, a strong showing in Shanghai could not only signal a return to form but also serve as a key momentum builder ahead of the World Athletics Championships slated for Tokyo later in 2025.
As she steps back into the spotlight, all eyes will be on Amusan to see whether she can recapture the blistering form that made her a global icon — and keep Nigeria’s flag flying high on the world stage.
