Setting a new African record in the women’s 60m hurdles, Tobi Amasun, the world record holder in 100m hurdles, commenced her 2024 season on a high note.
Displaying her prowess at the World Athletics Indoor Tour in Astana, Kazakhstan, Amusan, the world outdoor record holder at 12.12secs, delivered a stunning performance, sweeping away the disappointment of her 2023 season.
The 26-year-old encountered a provisional suspension prior to the World Athletics Championships due to missed drug tests. However, she was subsequently cleared of doping violations, and the provisional suspension was lifted before the competition.
Despite her sixth-place finish in the star-studded Championships final in Budapest, Hungary last year where she was dethroned by Jamaica’s Danielle Williams, Amusan capped off 2023 triumphantly by securing her third consecutive Diamond League trophy.
During the event in Astana, she completed the race in 7.77secs, setting a new African record and surpassing Glory Alozie’s 7.82 secs, established since 1999.
The world record for the event is held by Swedish athlete Sussan Kuller, who set a record of 7.68secs in 2008.
With aspirations of adding the Olympics title to her array of medals, Amusan issued a warning to her potential rivals for Paris 2024. She had previously won her heat in 7.91secs and concluded the day as a champion with a time of 7.77secs.
She emerged victorious ahead of Doha 2019 World Champion, Nia Ali, with the American posting 7.89secs, while Irish athlete Sarah Lavin secured third place with 7.92 secs.
The Commonwealth Games champion is set to participate in the 2024 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston, United States next month.