World record holder in the Women’s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, claimed her fourth Nigerian title at the ongoing Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s (AFN) National Trials at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin-City on Monday.
She powered through to the finish line at a time of 12.78s ahead of Adaobi Tabugbo, who finished second in 13.33s.
The event, which ends on Tuesday (today), will be used by the AFN to pick athletes for the Paris Olympics, the Africa Championships to be held later this month in Cameroon, and the World U-20 Championship in Lima, Peru, from 27 to 31 August.
Although Amusan had qualified for the Olympics, she executed her race smoothly in Benin-City to defend her title.
The 27-year-old has recorded some triumphs this season, including a world lead at the Jamaican Invitational in May and before then set the African 60m hurdles (indoor) record twice in January and February.
In what will be her third appearance at the Olympics, Amusan is looking to reach the podium in Paris, where the Games hold from 26 July to 11 August 2024.
The three-time (consecutive) Diamond League winner, two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, two-time African champion and three-time African Games gold medalist, has participated in two Olympic Games (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020).
She didn’t make it beyond the heats on her debut appearance in 2016 and finished fourth at the last edition in Tokyo, marginally missing out on the podium.
The Nigerian champion has said she is not under pressure to win gold at the Paris Games.
“No pressure, just having fun. One day at a time, one race at a time, no pressure on. When it’s time for Paris, we’ll definitely show up in Paris”, Amusan said in May during the Atlanta City Games.
