Hurdler Tobi Amusan is relishing her impressive run in 2022, after setting new world and Commonwealth Games records at the World Athletics Championship in Oregon and the CWG in Birmingham, before capping an amazing season with a Diamond League win in Zurich, setting a new meet record as well.
Amusan clocked 12.12secs for her world record in Oregon in July, before following that up with a CWG record of 12.30secs in Birmingham, but she is now hoping to run sub-12 time in the 100m hurdles, after her stunning performances in 2022.
Speaking of her record-year run, the 25-year-old hurdler, in a chat with The PUNCH Online, said, “I’m feeling happy, thanks to God for the opportunity to showcase my talent, and put myself, my family and Nigeria on the world map. In all sincerity, it’s been the same thing all year long; I have been disciplined, dedicated and focused on my goals. But things work out like magic when God says it’s your time.
“But pretty much, I have been doing the same thing for a couple of years, but the hard work just paid off in a big way, it’s not by my power, but God did it.”
Not resting on her laurels, the Ijebu-Ode-born athletics queen is looking at smashing more records in the coming months.
“God’s been great, it was a rocky start to the season,” she said after winning her race in Zurich. “The World Championships and Commonwealth Games took their toll on my body, but showing up when I needed to has been great. Breaking the world record revealed to me that there is so much to do in hurdles. Next year, I always put God first, I’m going to put in more practice and do more work, yes a sub-12 is possible.”
She added that her mental strength and a positive mindset despite the challenges have been the driving force of her successful season.
“I come from a very spiritually inclined family, even when the going gets tough, we still say ‘thank you Jesus.’ Most times, it might not be what we want to hear, but we still say ‘thank you Jesus.’ So, I got used to saying what I want even at the moment it might not look like it. But I know sooner, it will happen.
“That was like a motivation that has been driving me in the sport. I wake up, set my goals and work towards them, even when I don’t feel like it. Coming into the championships, I just needed to remind myself that I’m the best, and will not let anything come in my way of greatness.”
