Tobi Amusan, delivered a statement performance at the World Athletics Championships on Monday, winning silver in the fiercely contested women’s 100m hurdles final.
The 28-year-old world record holder clocked 12.29 seconds, finishing just behind Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, who clinched gold in a stunning national record time of 12.24s. Grace Stark of the United
States secured bronze with 12.34s, while American Masai Russell narrowly missed the podium in fourth (12.44s).
Amusan, who became Africa’s first-ever 100m hurdles world champion in Oregon 2022 — where she set the current world record of 12.12s — was aiming to reclaim her crown after missing out in Budapest 2023.
Despite falling short of gold, her silver medal underscores a powerful comeback following a disappointing outing at the Paris Olympics, where she failed to reach the final. With four consecutive World Championship finals to her name, Amusan has once again proven her elite status in the sport.
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Earlier on Monday, she won her semifinal heat in 12.36s, leading a competitive field that included the Netherlands’ Nadine Visser and Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska, securing her place in the final with confidence and poise.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s rising star Ezekiel Nathaniel kept hopes alive in the men’s 400m hurdles, booking his place in the semifinals with a composed run of 48.37s. The 21-year-old, emerging as one of Africa’s top hurdlers, is set to compete for a spot in the final on Wednesday.
As the championships continue, all eyes will remain on Team Nigeria, with Amusan’s silver offering a spark of inspiration for the nation’s track and field hopefuls.
