There is a possibility that Tobi Amusan, the world record holder, might still compete in the women’s 100m hurdles final at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This chance hinges on whether any of the eight finalists opts out of the race due to injury or any other reason, as reported by NewsNow.
Amusan narrowly missed securing a spot in the final after coming third in the first semi-final, clocking in at 12:55s. Her failure to automatically qualify and subsequent dashed hopes of being one of the fastest non-automatic qualifiers stemmed from France’s Cyrena Samba-Mayela clinching the last spot with a time of 12:52s.
Despite observations that Samba-Mayela had crossed her lane during the race, sparking calls from Nigerians for her disqualification, the rule governing such instances only applies in races with curves like the 200m and relays.
Discussing this, Deji Aliu, a bronze medallist from the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, mentioned, “They don’t disqualify like that on straight races; it’s only on a curve. As long as there is no infringement, like impeding the other athletes in any way, she will not be disqualified.”
Athletics coach and statistician, Lekan Soetan, added, “In a straight race, stepping out of your lane only means running additional distance. Therefore, disqualification applies if another athlete is impeded. The World Athletics would likely have taken action if that was the case.”
Aliu and Soetan elaborated on Amusan’s potential lifeline if any of the finalists withdraw before the final on Saturday.
Aliu also noted, “That’s a new rule. If someone pulls out before the final, there is a possibility that Tobi can come in.”
Soetan explained, “If all eight finalists are preparing and one withdraws, possibly due to injury, they can bring in a replacement. Therefore, Tobi is on standby in case of an injury.”
He added, “Therefore, we should not lose hope until the start list is finalized or until the athletes are on the field, maybe 30 minutes before the race. However, it is unlikely that anyone would willingly give up the final.”
The 27-year-old Amusan concluded Team Nigeria’s athletics participation on a somber note, following the disqualification of the men’s 4x400m relay team for running outside the lines.
The quartet comprising Emmanuel Ojeli, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Dubem Amene, and Chidi Okezie had achieved a season’s best time of 2:59:81, finishing second in their heat.