The Nigerian believes the intensity of the women’s hurdles has reached another level, with athletes refusing to shy away from challenging one another at major meetings
Nigerian sprint hurdling star Tobi Amusan says she is determined to end the 2026 season on a high after claiming silver at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships, while admitting that the women’s 100m hurdles is becoming increasingly competitive.
The Nigerian had earlier finished third at the Commonwealth Games before seeing her long-standing world record fall, but she managed to put those disappointments behind her and rebuild her momentum one race at a time.
Reflecting on her silver-medal finish, Amusan while speaking with Making of Champions in Budapest gave credit to God while acknowledging the challenges she experienced during the season.
“First, God is good,” Amusan said.
“What started off as an amazing season, in between I had some nippings here and there. You know, I’m not a robot. The body did shut down at a point. And I got back, built the momentum one race at a time.”
The Nigerian revealed that she approached the Ultimate Championships with a determined mindset, knowing she had to produce her best performance regardless of what had happened earlier in the season.
“Coming into this championship, my mindset going to the line was, we die here. I just kept telling myself I have to give it my all. I mean, I’ve always given my all at every meet,” she said.
“Today is just one of those days where I have to bring my A-plus game. And I don’t care what happened in the race. All I knew was, look, I did it. That’s all I knew. And I looked up and I saw the silver medal place finish.
“I was like, look, I came in second place. God is good.”
The 2026 season has not been without setbacks for the Nigerian, particularly after she finished third at the Commonwealth Games before losing her world record.
Amusan admitted that the period was difficult but said the encouragement she received from those closest to her helped her remain focused and continue competing.
“I’m not going to lie. It was very rough. It was very rough,” she told MakingofChampions.
“I mean, to my family, to my mentor, to my coach, to my boyfriend. They spoke the life back into me. And, you know, this morning it was all about put the past behind you and just go for it.
“And those few sentences that I got here and there got me through this finish line today, and God.”
Despite the disappointment of losing the world record, Amusan was pleased to leave the Ultimate Championships with a medal and is now looking forward to completing the season strongly.
Asked whether her top-two finish was a statement, the Nigerian responded with her characteristic humour.
“A statement kwa? I’m coming home with a medal, you are talking about making a statement? I don’t know the statement you are looking for,” she said.
“But, I mean, I’m looking forward to end the season on a high note. I still have one more meet, I know.
“I’m still there, and we’d go get recharged for 2027 after that.”
