Tobi Amusan has become the first ever Nigerian athlete to win a World Athletic Championship gold as she won the heat in the women’s 100m hurdles in Eugene Oregon.
In the semi-final, Amusan delivered an extraordinary time; clocking 12.12secs to obliterate the former World Record of 12.20secs held by Keni Harrison of the United States since 2016.
She said, “Before the final, I just tried to stay calm and to do my best. Honestly, I believe in my abilities, but I was not expecting a world record at these championships.
Amusan said after her final victory. “The goal is always just to execute well and get the win. So, the world record is a bonus. I knew I had it in me but I could not believe it when I saw it on the screen after the semis.
Amusan broke her record with her third-best run of the season at the Diamond League meet in Paris, France.
Nigerians have taken to social media to celebrate her, both the presidential candidate of the Labour, Peter Obi tweeted, “I sincerely congratulate Tobi Amusan on winning the 100M hurdles gold medal and setting a world record. Her tears at the ceremony podium while the Nigerian anthem played, connect that our dear country needs leaders to match the talents and ambitions of her youths.-PO”
The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar also celebrate her, he wrote “All hail Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, the record-breaking women’s 100m hurdles champion. I am particularly proud of this feat, and it underscores my plan to refocus investments in sports, and creative sectors, amongst others. #WorldAthleticsChamps -AA”
