Nigerian hurdler Tobi Amusan has achieved a new African women’s indoor record in the 60 meters, completing the race in 7.75 seconds at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Born in Ijedu Ode, Amusan surpassed her own previous record of 7.77 seconds, which she set in Kazakhstan at the Astana Indoor Meet in January.
Despite securing a new record, Amusan finished second in Boston on Sunday, with America’s Tia Jones claiming first place in 7.72 seconds, followed by Bahamas’ Devynne Chalton with a time of 7.76 seconds.
Amusan had previously shattered the longstanding continental mark of 7.82 seconds set by fellow Nigerian Gloria Alozie in 1999 on January 27.
7.72 ‼️@tia_ajones wins the women's 60m hurdles with an incredible 7.72, beating Tobi Amusan who sets an African record of 7.75.#WorldIndoorTour pic.twitter.com/dEtktoFPsu
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) February 4, 2024
The 26-year-old hurdler clinched victory in the 60m hurdles final ahead of American Nia Ali and Ireland’s Sarah Lavin. In 2022, she made history by becoming the first Nigerian to win a World Athletics Championship gold and breaking the women’s 100m hurdles world record in the process.
Despite facing challenges in 2023, including a provisional suspension and a sixth-place finish in Budapest at the World Championships, Amusan rebounded by securing her third consecutive Diamond League trophy at the end of the year.
Looking ahead, the Nigerian athlete is focused on the 2024 Olympic Games scheduled for Paris, commencing on July 26.