Nigeria secured her first medal at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo 2025 after Tobi Amusan finished second in the final of the women’s 100 metres hurdles.
In a thrilling final, the world record holder was unable to reclaim the gold she won at the last edition, as Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji stunned the field to take gold.
The Swiss athlete shocked the competition, including Amusan, clocking a blistering 12.24 seconds — a new Swiss national record — to edge out the Nigerian, who finished close behind in 12.29 seconds to claim silver.
Although Amusan was denied a second consecutive world title, her silver medal ensured Nigeria’s first podium finish at the ongoing championships.
Amusan, who set the world record of 12.12 seconds in 2022 and has dominated the event over the past three years, fought hard in the closing stages but could not catch Kambundji, who powered to the finish with flawless form.
The bronze medal went to the United States’ Grace Stark, who ran 12.34 seconds, followed by compatriot Masai Russell in fourth with 12.44. Pia Skrzyszowska of Poland and Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas both posted season’s bests of 12.49 to share fifth place. Jamaica’s Danielle Williams came seventh in 12.53, while Nadine Visser of the Netherlands placed eighth in 12.56.
Despite missing out on gold, Amusan was far from disappointed, celebrating her performance and expressing joy and pride after the race.
