Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the 100m hurdles, kicked off her 2024 season in remarkable fashion, setting a new African record in the women’s 60m hurdles at the World Athletics Indoor Tour in Astana, Kazakhstan. Amusan, known for her incredible speed and agility, crossed the finish line in an impressive 7.77 seconds, erasing the previous African record of 7.82 seconds held by Glory Alozie since 1999.

This stellar performance came as a redemption for Amusan, who faced challenges in the 2023 season. The 26-year-old athlete had a temporary setback when she was provisionally suspended before the World Athletics Championships due to missed drug tests. However, she was later cleared of doping violations, and the provisional suspension was lifted just ahead of the competition.

In the World Athletics Championships final in Budapest, Hungary, in 2023, Amusan was dethroned by Jamaica’s Danielle Williams, finishing sixth in a highly competitive field. Despite this setback, Amusan concluded the year on a high note by securing her third consecutive Diamond League trophy.

The Astana event marked a triumphant return for Amusan, showcasing her resilience and determination. She not only set a new African record but also demonstrated her prowess by defeating top competitors. In the final, Amusan bested the Doha 2019 World Champion, Nia Ali, who secured the second spot with a time of 7.89 seconds. Irish athlete Sarah Lavin claimed the third position with a time of 7.92 seconds.

The road to victory in Astana was not without its challenges, but Amusan’s performance hinted at her unwavering commitment to excellence. The win not only establishes her as a force to be reckoned with but also serves as a warning to her rivals as she sets her sights on the Olympics title in Paris 2024.

Amusan’s journey in Astana began with a solid performance in the heats, where she clocked 7.91 seconds. Building on this momentum, she dominated the final to claim the top spot and reaffirm her status as a world-class athlete. Her focus and determination were evident throughout the competition, and her success in erasing a long-standing African record further solidifies her place in athletics history.

Looking ahead, Tobi Amusan is set to continue her campaign at the 2024 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston, United States, next month. As she aims to add more accolades to her collection of medals, Amusan remains a formidable force in the world of athletics, inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike with her resilience, skill, and unwavering pursuit of excellence.