How Tobi Amusan turned pain into podium glory with World Championships silver

For Amusan, it was a bittersweet moment. In 2021, she had narrowly missed out on a medal at the Tokyo Olympics, finishing fourth in the same stadium

Tobi Amusan added another chapter to her remarkable career on Monday, winning the silver medal in the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

The Nigerian hurdler clocked 12.29 seconds to finish second behind Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, who took gold in a national record of 12.24s.

Grace Stark of the United States claimed bronze in 12.34s.

Bittersweet moment

For Amusan, it was a bittersweet moment. In 2021, she had narrowly missed out on a medal at the Tokyo Olympics, finishing fourth in the same stadium.

Speaking with MakingofChampions media crew in Tokyo moments after her race, the world record holder admitted that memory weighed on her when she returned to Japan for the championships.

“I remember in 2021, I came here and I came fourth. The moment I heard World Championships was going to be kept here, I had a PTSD,” Amusan confessed. “But then I had to snap out of it and told myself I’m not leaving here without the gold medal. I don’t know, but I’ll take a silver. It’s been God. The journey has been extremely rough. I’ve taken more L’s than wins. I’m just thankful that I have a great support system, my coach, my family, my mentors, my loved ones.”

The 28-year-old has endured a turbulent journey in recent years. From the glory of her world record-breaking run of 12.12s in Oregon in 2022 to a series of injuries, administrative battles, and questions over her form, Amusan has had to fight to stay at the top. This silver medal, she insisted, was as much for those who kept faith in her as it was for herself.

“This is for everyone who supported me through it all,” she said. “Look at the kind of lineup we have in the women’s hurdles—it’s anybody’s race. I kept saying to myself yesterday, it’s not of the swift but of God who shows mercy. I worked really hard and I deserve this. I’m just thankful I didn’t leave here with no medal again this year.”

Early signs

Earlier this season, Amusan had signalled her intent with a season’s best of 12.24s. That performance, she revealed, convinced her she was on track for another strong showing on the world stage. “Trust me, I knew I was coming. A 12.29 to get the silver medal—we’ll take it. It could be better, but we’ll take it.”

Amusan also touched on her personal reinvention this season, which included a new cropped hairstyle that drew attention before the championships.

“I was just tired of braiding my hair,” she laughed. “I train Monday through Saturday. There’s no time to rest, and on Sundays when I should rest, I don’t want to sit at a salon. So I just chopped it off into a pixie. No stress, no drama.”

New coaches

Her switch to a new coaching setup has also been instrumental. Amusan thanked her Jamaican coaches for helping her adapt and rediscover her form.

“The first two months were really tough, but look at it—the hard work paid off. I’m just thankful. They trusted me and believed in me, and this is for them.”

The Nigerian star, who has become a symbol of resilience for her country, admitted the pressure of carrying national expectations is immense.

“People always look at me as Nigeria’s medal,” she said. “I know they try, but this is my small body putting the whole country on my back. This is bigger than me. I come out here as Tobi Amusan first, but also for Nigeria and the whole world. Every time I show up, win or lose, I’m thankful.”

After another podium finish on the global stage, Amusan confirmed her season is over. “Season has ended. Vacation activated,” she smiled.