Tobi Amusan Begins Title Defence in Budapest With 100m Heat Win

Tobi Amusan, the reigning world champion in the 100m hurdles, has made a strong start to her title defence at the World Athletics Championship by clinching the top position in Heat 5. The world hurdles record holder showcased her prowess by clocking an impressive time of 12.48 seconds (0.4) to secure victory in the fifth heat of the women’s 100m hurdles event. The remarkable feat was achieved at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, Hungary.

Despite facing a slightly slow start, Amusan displayed exceptional speed and technique throughout the race, ultimately crossing the finish line ahead of her competitors. She outpaced Jamaican Champion Megan Tapper, who secured the second position with a time of 12.51 seconds, and Australian athlete Michelle Jenneke, who completed the race in 12.71 seconds.

Amusan’s performance in Heat 5 showcased her determination and skill, as she managed to maintain her pace even without slowing down towards the end of the race. She competed alongside other talented athletes, including Ebony Morrison, Maayke Tjin-a-lim, Natalia Christofi, and Nika Glojnaric.

With her remarkable victory, Tobi Amusan is set to lead the way in the semi-finals scheduled for Wednesday at 7:20 pm Nigerian time. Her participation in the championship faced earlier uncertainty due to concerns over her clearance by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). However, the sprint champion was officially cleared of any wrongdoing by a disciplinary panel just two days before the commencement of the championship.

Tobi Amusan, known for her exceptional hurdling abilities, gained international recognition at the 2022 World Championship in Eugene, USA. She emerged as the champion with a time of 12.40 seconds, setting a new African record. Notably, Amusan shattered the previous world record of 12.20 seconds set by Kendra Harrison in 2016, establishing a new record of 12.12 seconds.

Amusan’s achievements are not limited to the world championship. She has consistently proven herself on various global stages, winning titles and setting records. Her victories include retaining her Commonwealth Games title with a Games’ record of 12.30 seconds and successfully defending her Diamond League title in an extraordinary season that showcased her dominance in the field.