A day before her birthday, Oluwatobiloba Amusan got something to cheer about after storming to victory in the women’s 100m Hurdles with a time of 12.67s at the University of El Paso invitational held on Saturday.
Amusan has been in scintillating form this year, setting a new Personal Best (PB) of 12.63s last month which put her on top of the world ranking, and with this latest achievement she now holds the two fastest times in 2017.
Tobi Amusan clocks 12.67 in the 100m finals ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/TO1bHzcyBH
— UTEP Track & Field (@UTEPTrack) April 22, 2017
She led from start to finish and was never troubled as she came through the barriers unchallenged to take the win. Evonne Britton finished 2nd with a time of 12.92s, and Jeminise Parris 3rd in the race in 13.47s
There is no doubt that Amusan will get better as the season progresses, and one could only hope that she carries this form to the World Championships in London.
Tobi Amusan holds the two fastest times in the nation after winning the 100m hurdles at the UTEP Invitational #Minerstrong pic.twitter.com/Hg8FJErp5B
— UTEP Track & Field (@UTEPTrack) April 22, 2017
Stephanie Kalu was the other Nigerian athlete in action on day, with the women’s 100m with a time of 11.13s (+4.6) as she recorded the fastest time of all three heats. Britney Hew who finished 2nd to Kalu also finished 2nd overall with a time of 11.57s (+4.6) while Heather Arneton who heat 2 in 11.59s (+3.5) placed 3rd overall.
Earlier this week, Kalu was listed in Nigeria’s 4x100m entries for the 2017 World Relays. With the competition commencing in a matter of hours in Bahamas, it is obvious that barring a miracle she will not be in Nassau.
Both Amusan and Kalu competed in heat 1 of the women’s 200m, and it was the former who emerged tops. Amusan raced to 22.60 (+3.2) to take the overall win, with Kalu coming in 2nd in 22.78 (+3.2) and Josephine Anokye also from heat 1 finishing 3rd in 23.50s (+3.2)
