World record holder in women’s 100m hurdles Tobi Amusan has said that she does not let her success at the 2022 World Athletics Championship get to her.
Amusan caught the attention of the world at the World Championships held recently in Oregon, United States by racing in 12:12 seconds in the semifinals. She also won gold in the 100 metres hurdles.
The 25-year-old on Friday, August 5 took to the track for the first time since setting the world record. She ran in 12.40s (+2.4) at the 2022 Commonwealth Games to qualify for the final on Sunday, August 7.
In an interview after the race, Amusan explained how she manages the attention on her. “I’m trying, even though I don’t let it get to me that much ‘cos it’s a lot even though I can’t be more thankful. That’s a very good problem to have,” she said.
On the criticism that followed her world record, the Ijebu-Ode born athlete said, “People always talk. When I was coming out fourth place finishes there was no talk. Greatness attracts a lot of enemies. God is doing his thing and they are getting bitter? Who am I to complain?”
Amusan said she tried to stay composed at her first race at the 2022 Commonwealth Games despite the support of the crowd. According to her, she is not under pressure at all despite being the defending champion following her win in 2018.
Amusan also spoke about her old tweet where she vowed to make a name for herself. “I felt like I needed to prove myself. I just had to write down my goals every year to remind myself that I can do it,” she said.
Amusan also revealed what it felt like winning gold at the World Championships. “Looking back at the championship it was always fourth place finishes. The goal was to come and get a medal and seeing myself on the podium, in the middle of the podium, it was an awesome feeling. It was just tears of joy, hard work, being consistent, prayerful and trusting God,” she said.
