Nigerian athlete Tobi Amusan has clinched her third consecutive Diamond League trophy. This incredible feat comes on the heels of a heartbreaking moment at the 19th World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, where she relinquished her women’s 100m hurdles world champion title to Jamaica’s Danielle Williams.
Tobi Amusan displayed her unwavering determination and prowess, crossing the finish line with a time of 12.33 seconds. This victory not only secured her the Diamond League title but also silenced her doubters who questioned her ability after losing the world championship.
Amusan faced fierce competition from world-class athletes such as Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico and Keni Harrison of the United States. Camacho-Quinn secured second place with a time of 12.38 seconds, while Harrison claimed the third spot with 12.44 seconds.
What makes Tobi Amusan’s achievement even more remarkable is that she is only the second woman to win the 100m hurdles event in the Diamond League for three consecutive years. Dawn Harper-Nelson achieved this feat in 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Amusan’s journey to this victory was marked by resilience and determination. She first captured the Diamond League title in 2021, clocking a time of 12.42 seconds. The following year, she successfully defended her title with a blazing time of 12.29 seconds in Zurich.
This recent triumph in Oregon holds special significance for Amusan, as she also clinched the world title in the same location the previous year.
However, Amusan’s path to victory was not without its share of off-track challenges. In the run-up to the 2023 World Athletics Championships, she found herself provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unity (AIU) over allegations of “missing three tests in 12 months.” This suspension cast a shadow over her participation in the world championship, but her name was cleared just three days before the event.
Amusan’s quest to defend her world title in Budapest, Hungary, ultimately concluded with a sixth-place finish in the final at the National Athletics Centre. Despite this disappointment, the 27-year-old athlete remained resolute, reflecting on her time on the sidelines and acknowledging that her situation “could have been worse.”
In the wake of her historic victory, Amusan expressed her gratitude and resolve to return “stronger and better.” Her tenacity and indomitable spirit have undoubtedly cemented her status as a true champion in the world of athletics.