Nigerians and the world have joined Tobi Amusan to celebrate setting a world record in the women’s 100m hurdles final during the World Athletics Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon on Sunday.

She become the first Nigerian athlete to win a World Athletics Championship gold as she blazed to victory in the women’s 100m hurdles.

Amusan, who had smashed the world record in the semi-final where she clocked 12.12 seconds, powered over the line at Hayward Field in an incredible 12.06 seconds.

However, her winning time will not be recognised as a world record due to an illegal tailwind of 2.5 metres per second.

Britany Anderson of Jamaica won silver in 12.23 seconds, while Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico had to settle for bronze in 12.23 seconds.

Amusan had produced an astonishing world record in the semi-finals, smashing the previous best mark of 12.20 seconds held by American Kendra Harrison since 2016.

“Honestly, I believe in my abilities, but I was not expecting a world record at these championships,” Amusan said after her final victory. “The goal is always just to execute well and get the win. So, the world record is a bonus. I knew I had it in me but I could not believe it when I saw it on the screen after the semis.

“Before the final, I just tried to stay calm and to do my best. I took a deep breath knowing that I have some goal to accomplish, and it worked pretty good. I knew it was very fast but not this fast.”

Oregon 2022 is Amusan’s third appearance at the World Championships after making her debut in London in 2017 where she made the semi-finals before finishing 4th in the final in Doha in 2019. She also placed 4th at the Tokyo Olympics.

The 25-year-old has been in the form of her life in recent times breaking the African record three times in the space of 10 months and finally striking gold on the biggest of stages is the befitting way to end her wait for a world championship medal.

Nigerian Leaders React

President Muhammadu Buhari

I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating Tobi Amusan and her stellar performance at the World Athletics Championships 2022.

Her new World Record and Gold Medal have brought excitement and joy and hope to all of us, and made our national anthem resonate on a global stage.

I also commend and celebrate Ese Brume for her long jump Silver Medal. #TeamNigeria have represented us with honour & pride; displaying courage, integrity and good sportsmanship, and proving that with hard work & determination, success is achievable.

Professor Yemi Osinbajo

Congratulations Oluwatobi Amusan @ihurdle_33.0inches for winning the women’s 100m hurdles gold at the World Athletics Championship, setting a new world record twice in the semifinal and final of the event to become Nigeria’s first World Champion.

This is such a great feat that perfectly exemplifies the irrepressible Nigerian spirit to chase and achieve triumph in the most outstanding manner.

Tobi’s legendary example, just like that of @esebrume, who also won Silver at the High Jump event, offers timeless inspiration to our young people today and in the upcoming generations to achieve greatness in their chosen endeavors.

For this, I am glad.

Again, congratulations to Tobi and the entire members of Team Nigeria for displaying grit and putting up an excellent showing on the global stage.

Peter Obi

I sincerely congratulate Tobi Amusan on winning the 100M hurdles gold medal and setting a world record. Her tears at the ceremony podium while the Nigerian anthem played, connects that our dear country needs leaders to match the talents and ambitions of her youths. Peter Obi 🇳🇬

Abubakar Bukola Saraki

With a 7.02-meter leap in the final, I congratulate Ese Brume, who is bringing home Nigeria’s second medal at the #WorldAthleticsChampionships!

Ese, your consistency over the years and your silver medal performance in Oregon has made Nigeria proud.

Well done!

Unity Bank

A queen breaking world records!

Congratulations to Tobi Amusan for breaking two world records at the world athletics championships Oregon 22 in less than 24 hours!

The Nigerian 100m hurdles athlete has smashed the World Record in the semifinal at 12.12s

Tobi Amusan in the final broke her own record at 12.06 (+2.5 m/s)!

She now holds the two fastest 100m hurdles records in the world to become Nigeria’s first world champion and record holder.

Congratulations @ihurdle_33.0inches we are so proud of you.

StreetReporters.ng

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