We're Proud Of You, Gov Abiodun Tells Tobi Amusan As She Breaks World Athletics Record

••• Ogun Felicitates Her Illustrious Daughter As World Athletics Champion

| The Daily Crucible | Monday, July 25, 2022

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Monday, felicitated world-class sprinter and new world record holder, Tobi Amusan, saying: “This is another superlative record coming from an Ogun State indigene. She has reconfirmed Ogun State’s standard of excellence now in sports and we are very proud of her”

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, in Abeokuta, Gov. Abiodun said Amusan's feat at the 2022 World Athletics Championship, held in Eugene, Oregon, USA  "is heart-warming and a thing of pride to not only to the black race but the nation and Ogun State in particular".

Abiodun, who recalled how his administration, during the COVID-19 pandemic announced the adoption of the talented Ijebu-Ode-born athlete as proposed by the Minister of Youths and Sport, Sunday Dare, when he visited Ogun. "We supported her. We are a state of many firsts. Here is another testimony to that fact. I am very proud of that feat in Oregon. She's one of our major exports in sports and we are happy to be associated with her."

Tobi Amusan as a student of Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School Ijebu Ode Ogun State 

The statement reads on: "That was the second time Amusan would break the record on the night, improving on her 12.12s in the semi-final. It was previously set by America’s Kendra Harrison’s at 12.20s.

"On a night of many firsts, Amusan became the first Nigerian athlete to ever set a World Record in any event. It will also be the first time the Nigerian anthem would be played over the public address system during a medal presentation as the winner of an event.

"Amusan’s victory, will for her, be some sort of compensation for a disappointing outing in Tokyo last year where she finished fourth in the final despite being touted to take one of the medals.

"As she walks away with a $100,000 prize money, on behalf of the government and people of Ogun State, I congratulate one of our finest in the world of sport. I want to urge her to now turn her attention to the Commonwealth Games beginning on Thursday, July 28 where she’s also the defending champion.

"As a government, we will continue to put infrastructure in place to encourage our budding talents in sports, while incentives will put in place to woo and encourage our stars."

Tobi Amusan Wins World 100m hurdles Gold Medal, Sets New World Record 

The Daily Crucible reports that the Nigeria's Athlete, Tobi Amusan, had in the early hours of Monday (Sunday in Oregon), won the women’s 100m hurdles gold at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Tobi Amusan became the first Nigerian athlete to win a World Athletics Championship gold as she stormed to victory in the women’s 100m hurdles in Oregon on Sunday.

Amusan, who had obliterated the world record in an astonishing semi-final where she clocked 12.12sec, powered over the line at Hayward Field in 12.06sec.

Her winning time will not be recognised as a world record, however, due to a strong following win of 2.5 metres per second.

Jamaica’s Britany Anderson took silver in 12.23sec, while Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico claimed bronze in 12.23.

Amusan had produced a jaw-dropping world record in the semi-finals, smashing the previous best mark of 12.20secs held by Keni Harrison of the United States in 2016.

“Honestly, I believe in my abilities but I was not expecting a world record at these championships,” Amusan said after her final victory. “The goal is always just to execute well and get the win. So the world record is a bonus. I knew I had it in me but I could not believe it when I saw it on the screen after the semis.

“Before the final, I just tried to stay calm and to do my best. I took a deep breath knowing that I have some goal to accomplish and it worked pretty good. I knew it was very fast but not this fast.”

Harrison had been left in Amusan’s slipstream in the semi, and was again shown a clean pair of heels by the Nigerian in the final.

Amusan got off to a scorching start and was smoothly into her stride after the first hurdle, building a clear lead and then pulling away ahead of Anderson and the fast-closing Camacho-Quinn.

AFP