Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the Women’s 100m hurdles, showcased her dominance by securing her fourth Nigerian title at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s (AFN) National Trials on Monday.
Held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin-City, the event serves as a crucial selection ground for upcoming international competitions, including the Paris Olympics, the African Championships, and the World U-20 Championship.
Tobi Amusan, 27, powered to victory with a time of 12.78 seconds, comfortably outpacing her nearest competitor, Adaobi Tabugbo, who finished in 13.33 seconds. Despite having already qualified for the Paris Olympics, Amusan delivered a flawless performance to defend her national crown.
This victory adds to a remarkable season for Amusan, marked by a world-leading time at the Jamaican Invitational in May and the setting of a new African 60m hurdles (indoor) record earlier this year. Her triumphs underscore her status as a formidable force in the sport as she prepares for her third Olympic appearance in Paris, where she aims to secure a place on the podium.
The ongoing AFN National Trials, concluding today, are critical in finalizing the Nigerian team for the Olympics and other major events, including the Africa Championships in Cameroon later this month and the World U-20 Championship in Lima, Peru, from August 27 to 31.
Amusan’s illustrious career includes multiple accolades: she is a three-time consecutive Diamond League winner, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, a two-time African champion, and a three-time African Games gold medalist. Her Olympic journey began at Rio 2016 and continued through Tokyo 2020, where she delivered commendable performances.
As she gears up for the Paris Games, Amusan’s focus remains sharp. Her recent victories and record-breaking feats solidify her position as one of Nigeria’s premier athletes, poised to make a significant impact on the global stage.
