Nigeria’s sprint hurdler Tobi Amusan once again reminded the world why she is one of the most consistent and decorated athletes in modern track and field, after claiming a hard-fought silver medal in the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Monday. The race was dramatic, competitive, and filled with surprises as Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji stormed to victory in 12.24 seconds, setting a new national record and securing her country’s first-ever world title in the event. For Amusan, it was another podium finish that not only added to her glittering medal cabinet but also reaffirmed her place among the greatest hurdlers of all time.
The final was breathtaking from start to finish, with Amusan pushing herself to the limits. She crossed the line in 12.29 seconds, just behind Kambundji, who delivered the performance of her career. American Grace Stark clinched the bronze with 12.34s, while Masai Russell of the United States settled for fourth in 12.44s after a slow reaction out of the blocks. Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska clocked 12.49s for fifth, equalling her season’s best, while Bahamian star Devynne Charlton also posted 12.49s but had to settle for sixth. Defending champion Jamaica’s Danielle Williams finished in seventh place with 12.53s, and the Netherlands’ Nadine Visser brought up the rear in eighth with 12.56s.
In the build-up to the final, Amusan had already shown signs of brilliance. She breezed through the semi-finals, winning her race in 12.36 seconds, ahead of Visser and Skrzyszowska, signaling her readiness to retain her crown. However, when the stakes were at their highest, she could not fend off the relentless late surge of Kambundji. Even though the Nigerian sprint queen did not repeat her golden performance of 2022, her silver medal in Tokyo once again cemented her status as one of the finest athletes in Nigerian history.
This latest medal is particularly significant as it represents Nigeria’s 12th medal in World Championships history, a record that reflects both the struggles and triumphs of Nigerian athletics on the global stage. For Amusan personally, it is yet another shining chapter in a career filled with perseverance, resilience, and excellence. At 28, she continues to defy the odds, balancing the pressure of expectations with her relentless drive to succeed. Her Tokyo silver medal adds to an already legendary career, one defined not just by medals but by her ability to consistently compete at the very highest level of the sport.
To truly appreciate the weight of Amusan’s Tokyo performance, one must look back at her historic achievement in Eugene, Oregon in 2022. That year, she stunned the athletics world by winning the gold medal in the women’s 100m hurdles at the World Championships, while also setting a world record of 12.12 seconds in the semi-final. Her performance in Eugene made her the first Nigerian ever to win a World Championships gold medal, and her world record remains one of the most iconic moments in track and field history. That victory transformed her from a continental star into a global household name.
Before her world-record-breaking moment, Amusan had already been steadily building her reputation. She had enjoyed significant success at the Commonwealth Games, winning gold in the 100m hurdles in both 2018 (Gold Coast, Australia) and 2022 (Birmingham, England). These back-to-back victories established her dominance at the Commonwealth level and showed her ability to consistently deliver under pressure. Her Birmingham 2022 gold was particularly memorable, as she not only won convincingly but also set a new Games record, underlining her supremacy in the event.
Her career has also been decorated with accolades from the African Championships, where she has claimed multiple gold medals. She first announced herself on the African stage with her victory in the 100m hurdles at the 2018 African Championships in Asaba, Nigeria. She followed that up with another title at the 2022 edition in Mauritius. These victories made her a continental powerhouse and helped boost Nigeria’s medal tally at regional competitions. Amusan’s dominance on the African stage created the perfect springboard for her global success.
The Diamond League has also been one of the arenas where Amusan has consistently shown her class. She made history by becoming the first Nigerian athlete to win a Diamond League title, a feat she achieved in 2021. She successfully defended her title in 2022 and 2023, cementing her reputation as one of the most dominant hurdlers on the circuit. The Diamond League, known for hosting the world’s best athletes, has often been a proving ground for champions, and Amusan has risen to the challenge repeatedly, putting Nigeria’s name firmly on the athletics map.
Amusan’s journey has not been without its struggles. She faced setbacks earlier in her career, including near misses at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2017 World Championships, where she fell just short of the podium. However, these disappointments only seemed to fuel her hunger for success. Her ability to bounce back from adversity became one of her defining traits, and by the time she claimed gold in Eugene in 2022, she had silenced every doubt about her ability to compete with the best in the world.
Her Olympic Games record is also worth highlighting. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due to the pandemic), Amusan narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth in the women’s 100m hurdles final. It was a heartbreaking moment for her and for millions of Nigerians watching, but it also marked her as a true competitor capable of holding her own against the very best. That Olympic disappointment became part of her motivation, and it played a role in fueling her world-beating performance in Eugene a year later.
Beyond medals and records, Amusan’s story is deeply inspiring because of the sacrifices and determination that shaped her career. Born in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, she began athletics at a young age, showing promise in sprints before eventually settling into hurdles.
Her consistency over the years has earned her recognition not only as an athlete but also as a role model for young Nigerians. Amusan’s Tokyo silver medal may not have been the ultimate prize she sought, but it was a testament to her continued brilliance at the very top of the sport. To consistently reach World Championship finals and win medals is a feat few athletes achieve. She remains a global star, respected by competitors and loved by fans.
Looking ahead, Amusan still has much to give to the sport. At 28, she remains in her prime, and with major competitions like the 2025 World Championships and the Paris 2024 Olympics already in sight, there are still opportunities for her to add more gold to her collection.