Nigerian World record holder Tobi Amusan overcame a slow start to claim victory in the 100m hurdles event at the Silesia Diamond League, sprinting to a season’s best of 12.34s that equalled the meeting record in Chorzow, Poland.
Amusan outpaced USA’s Kendra Harrison, who finished second in a time of 12.35s, while 2019 world champion Nia Ali of USA finished third in 12.38s.
Photo finish! 📷
Tobi Amusan edges past @Ken_AYE_ on the line to win the 100m hurdles, equalling the meeting record with 12.34.#SilesiaDL 🇵🇱#DiamondLeague
📸 @matthewquine pic.twitter.com/UyF3pmz6Ds— Wanda Diamond League (@Diamond_League) July 16, 2023
“It was not easy for me with injuries in my hamstring & my knee. But I trusted in my coach & my work,” Amusan said after the race.“It’s all about the process. I just won this in a smooth style, I was just running. Honestly, I had no idea that I won when I crossed the finish line.”
“I take it one step after the next. I knew it was going to be a battle until the finish line. I am happy to compete against the best. I am just out here doing well, I would not say that I am the best. I came out there, I was not feeling too good.”
“About my start – I would not say that I executed, but the second part of the race was really good. I am most definitely building up for the World Championships, extremely satisfied with my SB – one step at a time,” Amusan concluded.
The Nigerian star produced a strong finish to win the highly competitive women’s 100m hurdles ahead of her rivals for next month’s World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
Silesia hosts the eighth meet of the 2023 Diamond League athletics series, the Kamila Skolimowska Memorial meeting.