Women’s hurdles world record holder, Tobi Amusan, set a new meet record of 12.34 seconds to win the 100 metres hurdles event at the Silesia Wanda Diamond League on Sunday in Poland. The Nigerian sports icon stormed to the finish line first, edging out former world record holder, Kendra Harrison of the USA in a keenly contested race.
Following the win, the trackstar confirmed that she had run her season’s best despite her continuous battle with injuries. “It was not easy for me with injuries in my hamstring and my knee. I had to trust my coach and my work. I was just running. Honestly, I had no idea that I won when I crossed the finish line,” she said.
“I would not say that I executed the start perfectly, but the second part of the race was really good. I am most definitely building up for the World Championships, extremely satisfied with my season’s best,” Amusan added.
When asked about the world championships, Amusan told pressmen she anticipated “a battle to the finish,” and plans to take each race as it comes.
The world record holder emerged victorious on Sunday, days after retaining her title as the national champion in Benin City for the fourth consecutive time. The Nigerian athlete’s next challenge is a shot at world title defense in Budapest, Hungary, in August.
Other winners on the day include Sha’Carri Richardson of the USA who clocked 10.76secs to beat Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson, while world record holder Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa dominated the men’s 400m with a season-best time of 44.08secs. Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen secured victory in the men’s 1500m, and Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco stayed undefeated in the Steeplechase.
Also, South Africa’s Akani Simbine ran 9.97 to win the men’s 100 metres, Ryan Crouser of the USA won the Shot Putt with 22.55m, home girl Natalia Kaczmarek ran 49.48, in women’s 400 metres, Mary Moraa of Kenya won by 1:56.85 in 800 metres, Yulimar Rojas of Venezuela leaped 15.18m in women’s triple jump.
Also, Armand Mondo Duplantis of Sweden won the men’s pole vault, and fellow Olympic champion Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar won the men’s high jump.
The next Wanda Diamond League meet takes place on 21st July in Monaco, France.
