I’ll be back stronger, says Amusan after losing 100mh world title

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan says she will be back “stronger and better” after finishing 6th in the final of the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2023 World Athletics Championships. 

On Thursday, Amusan failed to defend her world title after a disappointing finish in the final at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, Hungary.

The Nigerian dipped 12.62 seconds in a distanced position behind Jamaica’s Danielle Williams, who took the title after clocking 12.43 seconds.

Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico won silver with 12.44 seconds, while Keni Harrison took the bronze in 12.46 seconds.

In a chat with Making of Champions, Amusan said her situation “could have been worse”.

She, however, expressed gratitude to God while promising to return to her best soon.

“Trust me, it could be worse, and I could be on my couch watching this. But I am just thankful, and all glory to God,” Amusan said.

“It was a journey coming out here, going through the rounds and getting to the finals. I am just thankful. It is just another final, and I will be back stronger and better.”

The 27-year-old Nigerian was the defending champion after winning the world title last year in Eugene, Oregon, where she set a new world record with 12.12 seconds in the event’s semi-final.

However, Amusan’s preparation for Budapest 2023 was hampered by controversy.

In July, she was provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unity (AIU) for allegedly “missing three tests in 12 months”.

Her participation in the world championship was in jeopardy until she was cleared of the charge three days before the competition.

Speaking on the ordeal, Amusan said “I do not think anyone in my shoes will be able to make it beyond the first round”.

She described the period as “a journey,” adding that she was “stressed and shut down”.

“My team and family held me down through it all — the past month and even till today. I am just thankful that I have another strength in me to fight another day,” Amusan said.

“It has been stressful. Once I am stressed, everything shuts down. It has been a journey and I do not think anyone in my shoes will be able to make it beyond the first round.

“I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been supporting me through the ups and downs. You stood by me and kept praying for me; God bless you all.

“I am sorry I might have let you all down, but we will be back stronger. I promise.”