Nigeria’s sprint hurdler Tobi Amusan has made a resounding return to the global athletics spotlight, securing a silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
This marks her first major podium finish since 2022, when she stunned the world with a record-breaking gold medal performance in Oregon.
Amusan clocked an impressive 12.28 seconds in the final, finishing just behind Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, who blazed to gold with a new Swiss national record of 12.24s.
The Nigerian star’s performance reaffirms her status as one of the world’s elite hurdlers and a strong contender heading into the 2026 season.
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A Strong Performance Through the Rounds
Amusan began her Tokyo campaign with authority, winning her opening heat in 12.53s before stepping up in the semifinals with a time of 12.36s, earning her a lane in the highly competitive final.
The final was stacked with top-tier talent, including:
Grace Stark (USA) – Bronze, 12.34s
Masai Russell (USA) – 4th, 12.44s
Danielle Williams (Jamaica) – Defending world champion
Nadine Visser (Netherlands)
Devynne Charlton (Bahamas)
Pia Skrzyszowska (Poland)
Ditaji Kambundji (Switzerland) – Gold, 12.24s
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Despite the fierce competition, Amusan held her composure and surged over the final hurdles to secure second place, pushing off a late challenge from Stark and Russell.
Road Back to the Top
Since her record-setting gold medal win in 2022 — where she ran 12.12s (a world record at the time) — Amusan has faced a mix of form fluctuations and external scrutiny. However, her silver medal in Tokyo signals that she is well and truly back among the elite.
Speaking after the race, Amusan expressed gratitude and determination:
“It’s been a journey full of highs and lows, but I’m grateful to be back on the podium. I gave it everything out there.”
What’s Next for Amusan?
With the 2026 World Indoor Championships and the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, Amusan’s Tokyo silver adds momentum to her career revival.
Her time of 12.28s is one of the fastest in the world this year and a strong indicator that she remains a threat in any major competition.
