Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan secured a silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Monday, finishing in 12.29 seconds in a tightly contested final.
The world record holder delivered a strong performance from start to finish but was edged out by Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, who stormed to gold in a national record of 12.24s. Grace Stark of the United States claimed bronze in 12.34s, while Masai Russell narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in 12.44s.
Amusan, 28, had been aiming to reclaim the world title she won in Oregon in 2022, where she made history as the first Nigerian and African to claim the 100m hurdles crown. Though she missed gold, her silver medal underlines her consistency at the elite level of the sport.
Her achievements already include holding the world record of 12.12s, multiple Diamond League victories, and a Commonwealth Games title. After failing to reach the finals at the last Olympic Games in Paris, Amusan’s comeback in Tokyo reinforces her status as one of the world’s best hurdlers.
Nigeria’s medal hopes remain alive through Ezekiel Nathaniel, who advanced to the semifinals of the men’s 400m hurdles after running 48.37s. The 21-year-old displayed composure and strength in his race, earning a spot in Wednesday’s semifinal, where he will attempt to book a place in the final and challenge for a medal.
What You Should Know
Tobi Amusan, Africa’s fastest hurdler and world record holder, added a World Championship silver to her collection in Tokyo. At 28, she remains one of Nigeria’s biggest athletics stars.
Attention now shifts to Ezekiel Nathaniel, the rising 21-year-old hurdler, who is eyeing a medal in the men’s 400m hurdles.
