Nigeria’s sprint queen, Tobi Amusan, claimed the silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Monday, narrowly missing out on retaining her crown.
The 2022 world champion and world record holder clocked 12.29 seconds, finishing just behind Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, who stormed to a stunning victory in 12.24 seconds to set a new national record and secure Switzerland’s first-ever world title in the event.
The bronze medal went to American Grace Stark, who crossed the line in 12.34 seconds, while her compatriot Masai Russell settled for fourth in 12.44 seconds after recording the slowest reaction time in the field.
Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska equalled her season’s best of 12.49 seconds to take fifth ahead of Bahamian Devynne Charlton, who posted the same time. Jamaica’s Danielle Williams, the 2023 champion, came seventh in 12.53 seconds, while the Netherlands’ Nadine Visser rounded out the finalists in eighth with 12.56 seconds.
Amusan, who looked in strong form in the semi-final after winning her heat in 12.36 seconds, made a flying start in the final but could not hold off Kambundji’s late surge.
At 28 years old, Amusan’s silver medal adds to Nigeria’s tally at the World Championships, bringing the country’s total to 12 medals in history. Though she missed out on gold, the performance reaffirms her place among the world’s best hurdlers.
For Amusan, the result underlines her consistency on the global stage. Since breaking the world record with 12.12 seconds in Eugene in 2022, she has remained a major force in the event. This silver keeps her in contention for future glory as she sets her sights on the Paris 2028 Olympics and subsequent World Championships.
Analysts believe her ability to stay within touching distance of victory, even when not at her peak, speaks volumes about her resilience and technical mastery. For Nigeria, her performance provides continued inspiration to young athletes and keeps the country firmly on the world athletics map.