By Prosper Mene
Nigeria’s world record holder Tobi Amusan claimed a hard-fought silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2025 World Athletics Championships here today, marking the country’s first podium finish at the prestigious event.
Amusan, the 28-year-old sprint hurdler from Lagos, crossed the finish line in 12.29 seconds, just 0.05 seconds behind Switzerland’s surprise winner Ditaji Kambundji, who shattered her own national record with a time of 12.24 seconds.
The race, which featured a star-studded field including Jamaica’s Danielle Williams, the USA’s Masai Russell and Grace Stark, Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska, and the Netherlands’ Nadine Visser, lived up to its billing as one of the most anticipated events of the championships.
The Nigerian star, who entered the final as a favorite after dominating her semifinal with a 12.36-second run, started strong but couldn’t quite match Kambundji’s explosive late surge. Despite the narrow defeat, Amusan’s performance reaffirmed her status as one of the sport’s elite, especially coming off a disappointing semifinal exit at the Paris Olympics earlier this year.
This silver adds to her illustrious collection, including her historic gold and world record-setting run of 12.12 seconds at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon.”This is for Nigeria,” Amusan said post-race, her voice filled with emotion as she draped herself in the green-and-white flag. “I’ve been through a lot this year, but moments like this make it all worthwhile. We’re just getting started here in Tokyo.” Her achievement not only boosts Nigeria’s medal tally but also cements her as the first Nigerian woman to win multiple medals in the 100m hurdles at the World Championships.
The victory comes amid some pre-competition drama for Amusan, who publicly criticized the quality of kits provided by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) just days before the event. Despite the controversy, which drew responses from AFN officials promising bonuses for podium finishes, $20,000 for silver, Amusan channeled her focus into her performance, advancing through the heats in 12.53 seconds and the semis with ease.Kambundji’s gold was a breakout moment for the Swiss athlete, who edged out Amusan in a photo-finish that had the packed National Stadium on its feet. Bronze went to the USA’s Grace Stark in 12.31 seconds, rounding out a fiercely competitive podium.
While the championships continue through September 21, all eyes will be on Amusan and her Nigerian teammates, including Kanyinsola Ajayi, who made history as the country’s first men’s 100m finalist since 2005. With this silver, Amusan has set the tone for what could be a medal-filled week for the African nation, underscoring her role as a trailblazer in Nigerian athletics.
