It was a glorious climax for Tobi Amusan at the World Athletics Championship, as the Nigerian athlete broke and set a new World Record in the 110M hurdles event.
Team Nigeria going into Oregon 2022 had no medal hopes, but for the first time the Nigerian anthem rang through as Amusan ran a historic time of 12.12 seconds to clinch gold at the World Athletics Championship.
Prior to breaking the former record of 12:20 set by Kendra Harrison, Oluwatobi Amusa held nothing back in the semi-final, going on to set the African record in the heats, breaking her own record and setting a new one at a time of 12.40.
Speaking to reporters after the opening heats Amusan opined: “It is a strong feeling. I wanted to get out and go, I did what I had to do. Looking forward to the finals.”
Then later that evening the 25-year-old took to the tracks and ran an incredible race. Clocking an amazing time to win gold carting away $100,000 prize money for the world record feat.
After the final race Amusan said: “You know I’m elated, it’s been a journey and I’m thankful to god for keeping me healthy and I couldn’t be more thankful to have come out here with the wind and the world record.”
Tobi with her victory became the first Nigerian woman in history to set a world record, and the first woman to run such a time in the 110M event.
The world record holder also got $70,000 for winning the gold medal.
