Tobi Amusan reminded the world why she remains Nigeria’s greatest athlete as she powered to silver in the women’s 100m hurdles final at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, clocking an impressive 12.29 seconds.
The race was won by Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, who stormed to gold in a new national record of 12.24s, while the United States’ Grace Stark claimed bronze in 12.34s. Fellow American Masai Russell narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in 12.44s.
“I’ll take the silver” – Tobi Amusan Speaks
Speaking after her race, an emotional Amusan reflected on her Tokyo redemption story:
“I remember in 2021 I ran here and came 4th. The moment I heard the World Championships was going to be staged here (Tokyo), I had PTSD.”
“But then I had to snap out of it and tell myself I wasn’t leaving here without the GOLD medal; but I’ll take the Silver.”
Carrying Nigeria on her shoulders
The world record holder also opened up about the pressure of being Nigeria’s biggest medal hope:
“Una no dey try. This my small body, una put the whole country for my back.”
“But this is bigger than me… I come out here, and I do what I have to do for myself and my country. I am glad that any time I come out to a championship: win or lose, I still show up.”
Redemption after Paris heartbreak
Amusan’s podium finish comes a year after her painful Paris 2024 setback, when she failed to reach the 100m hurdles final.
That disappointment had sparked doubts about her ability to compete at the highest level again.
Her bounce-back in Tokyo is now being hailed as the mark of a champion with extraordinary resilience and mentality.
Oluwatobiloba Amusan went from setting a world record in Oregon in 2022 to consistently flying the country’s flag, including her Tokyo silver.
