Nigerian athlete Tobi Amusan has lost out of the 100m hurdles at the 2024 Olympics taking place in Paris, France after finishing ninth overall in the semi-finals on Friday.
Amusan came third in her heat running 12.55 seconds behind Grace Stark of the US who came first in 12.39 seconds and Bahamian Devynne Charlton who completed the race in 12.50 seconds.
The Ijebu Ode-born star could not qualify as one of the fastest losers after results from other heats were collated.
On Wednesday, the 27-year-old finished top of her heat of eight athletes to qualify for the semi-final with 12.49 seconds, followed by America’s Alaysha Johnson with 12.61 and Jamaica’s Janeek Brown with 12.84 seconds.
The final is slated for the penultimate day of the athletics event, Saturday, August 10.
This season, Amusan has competed in 17 events, which include the 60m, 100m, 100m hurdles, and the 4x100m relay.
The three-time (consecutive) Diamond League winner, two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, two-time African champion, and three-time African Games gold medallist, has participated in two Olympic Games (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020).
An Olympic medal has remained elusive for Amusan, her closest attempt was a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics with a time of 12.60 seconds.
Fondly referred to as “Tobi Express,” the athlete had expressed confidence going into the semi-final.
“It did hit me when I got into the games village because I started a little early, and I’m like, three times, girl, you’re old. But I mean, the first time I came as an Olympian, I was 18/19. The second time, I was a little bit experienced, and I didn’t get on the podium. This time, I think it’s my season,” she told MakingofChampions.
