Tobi Amusan
There’s a feeling that this could be the global championship everything finally falls into place for Nigerian Hurdling gem, Tobi Amusan who has had to weather some downcast moments after missing out on podium placements at both the World Championships in Doha (2019) and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The 2019 disappointment jarred Amusan so much that she struggled to find the enthusiasm to train again, but with the lull caused by Covid pandemic, she was able to gradually pick herself up. Three years since that night in Doha when she marginally lost out in the top 3, she is seeking redemption in Eugene.
Amusan has had her best start to a season, and has already bettered her own 100m Hurdles African Record (AR) by a hundredth of a second, running a new AR of 12.41s in Paris. It took her about four years chasing Glory Alozie’s AR of 12.44s, and now Amusan has twice surpassed it in eight months.
It’s the right boost she needs going up against Olympic champion, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, World record holder & World Leader this season, Kendra Harrison who won the US national title with a Season’s Best of 12.34s. Amusan competed against Camacho-Quinn in Stockholm, and the outcome showed that the Puerto-Rican might not have a clear coast to victory as many expect.
The two-time African champion, lasted the haul with Camacho-Quinn and staying with her until the end, dipping in to try and nick a win but the latter was more resilient winning in 12.46s, while Amusan finished 2nd in 12.50s. Reigning world champion, Nia Ali finished 3rd in that race with a time of 12.53s. That was an elite field that also had former World champion, Danielle Williams. So for Amusan to come out unscathed in that race over some of the favourites, she would be confident about her chances.
In June, she comfortably retained her African title, winning two gold medals (in the 100m Hurdles and the 4x100m relay), then going on to run a Nigerian championships record of 12.54s to successfully take down another of Alozie’s record.
Some examples of her confidence level spiking at the right time, could be gleaned in her remarks after clinching two titles in Mauritius. Speaking about taking down most of Alozie’s record, a cheeky Amusan said: “this is Amusan, she is setting her own records.” Another example was when she was asked about being chased down the home straight in the 4x100m by Gina Bass: “this hurdler can sprint as well” she remarked.
Those were not impudent words, she had come to a realization of her ability, and that she could compete with the best. This season, she ran a 100m PB of 11.14s, which qualified her for the flat if she had opted in for selection. She is currently listed by Nigeria for women’s 4x100m in Eugene, but the scheduling clashes with the 100m Hurdles event, which her soul is more committed to.
She has looked forward to this World Championship since that night in Doha. She has subsumed herself preparing for it, particularly aiming to overcome her torrid starts in races. If she had mustered a good start in Doha, she could have possibly upgraded a 4th place finish (12.49s) to possibly a Silver medal. Harrison finished 2nd in that race in 12.46s, just a hundredth faster than Williams who got Bronze in 12.47s.
This season, Amusan is the 4th fastest woman in the world going into a major championship, there’s a feeling that this could be the time she finally banishes the ghosts of Doha & Tokyo to win that elusive global medal.
