World Championships: Tobi Amusan wins 100m hurdles final, breaks world record

Tobi Amusan has become the first Nigerian athlete to win a World Athletics Championship gold as she blazed to victory in the women’s 100m hurdles in Eugene, Oregon.

Amusan, who had smashed the world record in the semi-final where she clocked 12.12 seconds, powered over the line at Hayward Field in an incredible 12.06 seconds.

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan celebrates setting a world record in the women’s 100m hurdles final during the World Athletics Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon on July 24, 2022. Jewel SAMAD / AFP)

However, her winning time will not be recognised as a world record due to an illegal tailwind of 2.5 metres per second.

Britany Anderson of Jamaica won silver in 12.23 seconds, while Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico had to settle for bronze in 12.23 seconds.

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan (R) crosses the finish line ahead of Jamaica’s Britany Anderson to win the women’s 100m hurdles final during the World Athletics Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon on July 24, 2022. Jewel SAMAD / AFP.

Amusan had produced an astonishing world record in the semi-finals, smashing the previous best mark of 12.20 seconds held by American Kendra Harrison since 2016.

“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.

“Before the final, I just tried to stay calm and to do my best. I took a deep breath knowing that I have some goal to accomplish, and it worked pretty good. I knew it was very fast but not this fast.”